James Bertin Olinger, Jr.

LTC (Ret) James B. Olinger, Jr.
(Poppy O)

“Death Leaves a Heartache No One Can Heal, Love Leaves a Memory No One Can Steal”

LTC (Ret) James B. Olinger, Jr., 65, of Palmyra, PA recently passed away after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Jim died May 4, 2013 at Harrisburg Hospital. He was born 22 March 1948 in New Kensington, PA. The son of LTC (Ret) James B. Olinger, Sr. and Lillian E. (Barello) (Olinger) Benson, both of whom preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his loving wife and mate Lorna (Pryor) Olinger, his daughters Andrea S. Olinger and her children Taylor and Tyler; CPT Elizabeth A. Tallent, her husband Warren and their daughter Devin; Kristina L. Litzenberger, her husband Josh and their children Riley and Brayden; Amber L. Alter and her son Ryder; and his sister Elaine (Olinger) Trice and her husband William.

Jim was an active life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 1983; VFW Post 6417, Palmyra, PA, F&AM Lodge 313, Indiana, PA and a life member of the US Parachute Association.

Jim was a career soldier with 29 years of Active, Reserve and National Guard service. A decorated veteran of the war in Vietnam, he served multiple combat tours in Southeast Asia assigned to the Military Advisory Command-Vietnam and for his service and combat actions he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge; Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for Valor, with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC); Purple Heart, with 1 OLC; Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal, with 1 OLC; Army Commendation Medal, with 3 OLCs; Air Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star (individual award); Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, First Class; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation; along with numerous other service medals and ribbons both Federal and State.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Rothermel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 6 PM until time of the services. Burial will be private and at the family’s convenience in Arlington National Cemetery, VA.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Harrisburg Hospital and Jim’s devoted Doctor from Associated Otolaryngologists of PA, Dr. Roger Levin and his loyal caring staff.