Obituaries
Obituary for James J. Rothrock
James J. Rothrock, 89, of Whitehall passed away peacefully on September 27, 2017 at his daughter’s home after a long illness. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Marie E. (Batza) Rothrock.
Jim was born in Hokendauqua where he was a life-long resident until moving in with his daughter in EHT, NJ for the past three years. He was a graduate of Whitehall High School class of 1946, after which he join the Navy. He served during the Korean War from 1948-1952, as a boatswain’s mate 3rd class aboard the cruiser CL102 and the Destroyer USS English DD696. After his navel service, he worked at the Catasauqua Ribbon Mill from 1952-1955 and then at Fuller Company (GATX) for 39 years before retiring in 1993.
Jim was a life-long member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Mickleys, where he enjoyed being a greeter to his fellow parishioners. He was a volunteer member of the Cetronia Ambulance Corp., and a 59 years member of the American Legion Jones-Quigg Post No. 739 in Hokey, where he served on the firing squad.
Jim has been affectionately known as “Weasel” since his high school days, and he was loved by all. He adored his family very much and was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. When together, he enjoyed playing Parcheesi, Yahtzee, and Bingo with them, and loved going out to local diners for breakfast. He was an avid animal lover and loved feeding the birds since his childhood. He especially enjoyed going to feed the seagulls with his daughter in Ocean City. He liked to joke around with anyone he met. He coined many silly phrases and fun nicknames, like “Mitzi”, his special name for his granddaughter.
Jim is survived by his daughter Donna Booskos, wife of George Booskos of EHT, NJ., his granddaughter Melissa Decker-Alifanz, wife of Michael Alifanz of Yonkers, NY and great granddaughter Emalene Alifanz. Other survivors include niece Diane Millen of Whitehall, nephew Joseph Batza of New Ringgold, PA and nephew Rick Batza of Indianapolis, IN.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brubaker Funeral Home Inc. 327 Chestnut St. Coplay, PA 18037. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday Oct. 3rd from 7-8:30pm and Wednesday Oct. 4th from 10-11am with services on Wednesday at 11am at the funeral home. Interment will be held at St. John’s Union Cemetery, Mickleys.
In his memory, donations may be made to St. John’s UCC, Mickleys, 2918 MacArthur Rd. Whitehall, PA 18052, the American Legion Jones-Quigg Post No.739, 739 American Legion Drive Whitehall, PA 18052 or the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.
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Jim was born in Hokendauqua where he was a life-long resident until moving in with his daughter in EHT, NJ for the past three years. He was a graduate of Whitehall High School class of 1946, after which he join the Navy. He served during the Korean War from 1948-1952, as a boatswain’s mate 3rd class aboard the cruiser CL102 and the Destroyer USS English DD696. After his navel service, he worked at the Catasauqua Ribbon Mill from 1952-1955 and then at Fuller Company (GATX) for 39 years before retiring in 1993.
Jim was a life-long member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Mickleys, where he enjoyed being a greeter to his fellow parishioners. He was a volunteer member of the Cetronia Ambulance Corp., and a 59 years member of the American Legion Jones-Quigg Post No. 739 in Hokey, where he served on the firing squad.
Jim has been affectionately known as “Weasel” since his high school days, and he was loved by all. He adored his family very much and was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. When together, he enjoyed playing Parcheesi, Yahtzee, and Bingo with them, and loved going out to local diners for breakfast. He was an avid animal lover and loved feeding the birds since his childhood. He especially enjoyed going to feed the seagulls with his daughter in Ocean City. He liked to joke around with anyone he met. He coined many silly phrases and fun nicknames, like “Mitzi”, his special name for his granddaughter.
Jim is survived by his daughter Donna Booskos, wife of George Booskos of EHT, NJ., his granddaughter Melissa Decker-Alifanz, wife of Michael Alifanz of Yonkers, NY and great granddaughter Emalene Alifanz. Other survivors include niece Diane Millen of Whitehall, nephew Joseph Batza of New Ringgold, PA and nephew Rick Batza of Indianapolis, IN.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brubaker Funeral Home Inc. 327 Chestnut St. Coplay, PA 18037. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday Oct. 3rd from 7-8:30pm and Wednesday Oct. 4th from 10-11am with services on Wednesday at 11am at the funeral home. Interment will be held at St. John’s Union Cemetery, Mickleys.
In his memory, donations may be made to St. John’s UCC, Mickleys, 2918 MacArthur Rd. Whitehall, PA 18052, the American Legion Jones-Quigg Post No.739, 739 American Legion Drive Whitehall, PA 18052 or the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
3
Oct
7:00 PM
- 8:30 PM
Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc. - Coplay
327 Chestnut Street
Coplay, PA 18037
Visitation
Wednesday
4
Oct
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc. - Coplay
327 Chestnut Street
Coplay, PA 18037
Service
Wednesday
4
Oct
11:00 AM
Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc. - Coplay
327 Chestnut Street
Coplay, PA 18037
Graveside
Wednesday
4
Oct
11:45 AM
St. John's Union Cemetery - Mickleys
Eberhart Road
Whitehall, PA 18052
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