James M. Hoffman

James Millard Hoffman, 78, a resident of St. Anne's Retirement Community, passed away under hospice care at Lancaster General Hospital on Thursday, July 24, 2025 following a long illness. Son of Millard S. and Mary Trostle Hoffman, Jim was born on October 8, 1946 in Columbia, PA. He grew up on the family farm in East Donegal Township, Mount Joy, where he worked alongside his dad in the fields with the Farmall tractors. Moving back to the “Hoffman Farm” in 1989, he strived to maintain it exactly as his parents had. It was his pride and joy.

Jim graduated from Donegal High School in 1964 where he wrestled and played football. After graduation, he and his FFA buddies traveled to the West Coast for four weeks.

He worked at the Hamilton Watch Company in Lancaster before starting as an apprentice ironworker with Ironworkers Local 404 out of Harrisburg, PA in 1969. He worked at Limerick, Peach Bottom, Berwick, and TMI nuclear power plants, and for various other union contractors, until his retirement in 2002.

Jim was a member of the Vagabonds Car Club and had a lifelong interest and passion of cars, dating back to the muscle car era. He was a die-hard Chevy man. He was also a member of the Elizabethtown Historical Society and had appreciation and love for local collecting and was a “caretaker of history”, sharing his knowledge with many.

A grandson of Harvey G. Hoffman, Rheems, thresherman and owner of a Frick Traction Engine, Jim had the steam enthusiasm in his blood and was extremely proud of his family’s heritage. He was also an avid public sale enthusiast, and a Steelers fan.

The Trostle Farm in Gettysburg, where his mother’s ancestors lived during the Civil War, held a special bond with Jim. The house was used as a field hospital during the battle and the barn bears a hole from cannonball damage.

Jim’s family and friends will remember his hearty laughter, unique character, good storytelling, artistic craftsmanship, love for snapping turtle trapping, willingness to lend a hand, fierce independence and “I did it my way” personality.

He is survived by his sister, Bonita Kay, wife of Dale Jay Berrier, Holtwood; niece, Karen L., wife of Corey D. Eberly, Mountville; nephew, Andrew J., husband of Tarrah R. Berrier, Harrisburg; and great nephews, Bryce A. and Brent A. Eberly, Mountville.

A funeral service will be held on August 8, 2025 at 1PM at Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Family and friends are invited to greet family from 11AM until the time of service. A private interment will take place in Maytown Union Cemetery, Maytown, PA 17550.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice and Community Care at www.HospiceAndCommunityCare.org

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Anne's and Hospice and Community Care for their thorough care toward Jim.