James F. Wertz, 78, of Perry Twp., passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021 in The Lutheran Home at Topton with his wife by his side, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was the husband of Sylvia L. (Spatz) Snyder. Jim was predeceased by his first wife: Sharon L. (Machemer) Wertz.
Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Floyd Wertz and Margaret (Hepner) Moyer. Jim was a 1960 graduate of Perry High School; where he excelled in basketball, soccer and especially baseball; trying out for the Phillies. He was a manager for United Parcel Service (UPS). Jim was a member of St. Luke's Union Church, Shoemakersville. He was a life member of Union Fire Company #1, Hamburg. James enjoyed watching the Phillies and at one time was an avid golfer.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children: Jamie S. (Wertz), wife of Russ Hopkins, Newport News, VA; and Scott J. Wertz, husband of Sherry, Carrollton, VA; step-children: Steven T. Snyder, husband of Lauren, Nashville, TN; Laurie A. Snyder, partner of Linda Millman, Lewes, DE; and Eric L. Snyder, husband of Deborah, Mt. Gilead, NC; six grandchildren: Kelsey, Jordan, Hunter, husband of Anna, Noah, Makayla and Rachel; five step-grandchildren: two great-granddaughters, with a great-grandson on the way; and one step-great-granddaughter. Jim was predeceased by three brothers: Gene Wertz, Jack Wertz, and Joseph Wertz.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. A viewing will be held in the funeral home Saturday 9:30 to 11:00 am. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. John's Cemetery, Hamburg. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Luke's Union Church Memorial Fund, 431 Franklin Street, Shoemakersville, PA 19555. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.