James N. Trexler
OBITUARY
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of James N. Trexler, 93, of Reading, PA, who passed away on Monday, May 25th, at the Heritage of Green Hills Care Center. Although an aggressive AML diagnosis claimed his life in a short period, Jim retained his characteristic sense of humor and optimism throughout, and was richly blessed with visits and calls from adoring family and friends during his final days.
Jim was born in Shillington on October 4, 1932, to the late Bertha (Howerter) and Paul L. Trexler. He was a 1950 graduate of Shillington High School and a 1958 graduate of Albright College. He often joked that he “majored in swim team, wood shop, and typing”—a fitting description for the man his classmate John Updike once referred to as the “class clown.” After high school, Jim made a memorable road trip to Colorado with his buddy Charlie to visit family, which remained a lifelong highlight alongside his service in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954, where he developed a deep fondness for his time stationed in England.
Following his graduation, Jim worked as a sales manager for Columbia Cutlery while coordinating logistics with Ennis Manufacturing. After “retiring” in 1993, he served as the Terminal and Operations Manager for Landis Transportation and concluded his career at Mark Metals, where he worked until age 82. A consummate “people person,” Jim loved his work and the connections he made through it.
Jim was known for his incredible wit, generosity, integrity, and genuine interest in others. He could tell jokes for hours on end and cherished time spent at HHST family reunions, traveling with his wife and brother Dave to Glider Pilot Reunions, and gathering with his “Schuylkill River Gang,” neighborhood gang, and friends at The Liederkranz and The Evergreen. Jim also loved playing the tuba and encouraged all of his children and grandchildren to pursue learning a musical instrument.
Jim is survived by his wife, Evelyn M. (Weida) Trexler; his daughter, Joellen Trexler Nelson; and his son, Andy, husband of Gail Trexler. He was the godfather to Joey Spencer and is survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, James C. Trexler; his sister, Ann Marie Hutcheson; and his brothers, David H., Paul Daniel, and Samuel B. Trexler.
Our family wishes to thank the amazing caregivers at the Heritage, who became like family to Jim over the past three years. In true Jim Trexler fashion, he knew and loved them all—teasing them, asking after their well-being, and consistently thanking them for their care.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 6th, at 11:00 AM at Sanders Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 1501 North 11th Street, Reading. Friends may call from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Laureldale Cemetery, Reading.
Online condolences may be made at www.sandersfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.