James C. Strausser

James C. Strausser, 73, of  Reading, passed away unexpectedly January 20, 2025 at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. 

He was the loving husband of Debra Ann (Glase) Strausser who he married on March 20, 2005.

Born March 15, 1951  he was the son of the late Millie C. (Galt) Durbec and Charles Jeremiah Strausser. 

James was a 1970 graduate of Reading High School. 

James served in the Army as an SP4 with the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, “The Gladiators,” from 1970-1973. During that time he deployed to Vietnam serving as a UH-1 helicopter mechanic and door gunner, from May of 1971, to May of 1972. There he was stationed at Camp Holloway in the central highlands. For his service and efforts he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2 stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 devices.

Later in life he worked as a midwest grinder at Carpenter Technologies. After retiring from the company he came back to teach new hires how to use the machinery. 

James was a man of many talents. He would be the one that people would call anytime they needed something fixed. His biggest passion was for his Harley-Davidson bikes, which he had a collection of. When he wasn’t focused on the motorcycles his time was spent watching Fox News or playing the slots at the casino. James was a man that would care for all those around him and set out to make everyone’s life easier. Above all, James had a strong love for his family and enjoyed spending time with them every chance he had.

Surviving are three daughters: Tammy (Stausser) Pugliese of Sinking Spring; Christina (Strausser) Wright, wife of Theodore of Newmanstown; and Tasha (Strausser) Ness, wife of Ryan of Newmanstown.

Also surviving is a step-daughter, Tiffany (Glase) Payne, wife of Joseph of Hoover, Alabama.

There are six grandchildren that are surviving: Salvatore James Pugliese; Isabella Rosa Pugliese; Ava Ruby Wright; Aiden Gary Wright; Wyatt James Ness; Gemma Lorraine Ness. 

Also surviving is one step-granddaughter, Bailey Ann Payne. 

Two nephews and a niece are also surviving: Kevin A. Krick; Tom L. Krick Jr.; and Tabitha Marie Durbec. 

One brother is still surviving, Louis Sidney Durbec, husband of Kristen of Mohrsville, PA. 

James was predeceased in death by one sister, Patricia Ann Krick, wife of Thomas L. Krick, 

A viewing will be held Friday night, January 24th from 5 pm - 6 pm at the Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A service will follow at 6 p.m. 

Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. 

The family would like to ask that individuals attending the service please dress casually or wear your favorite Harley-Davidson shirt in memory of James. 
Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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