James C. "Jim" Firestone

James C. (Jim) Firestone of Palmyra, age 76 died of Lymphoma on Monday, October 31, 2016. He was a lifetime member of Grace United Methodist Church of Lemoyne. He was born on Mother’s Day to the late Clair and Louise (Kirkpatrick) Firestone.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy (Klinger) Firestone, son James Jr. and his wife Suzanne, daughter Jennifer, four grandsons: Jon, Matt, Noah, and Sam, four great grandchildren: Daniel, Emma, Judah James, and Benjamin. He was very proud of his entire family and all they accomplished. Jim is also survived by a brother Kirk and sister Nancy Sheaffer both of New Cumberland, and sister Louise Hernley of Palmyra. He was  predeceased by a brother Thomas.

Jim graduated from New Cumberland High School in 1958, and West Chester State College class of 1962. He attended Millersville University for post graduate work. He was a teacher and coach for 40 years: 6 years at Garden Spot High School and 34 years at Palmyra Middle School. At Garden Spot he taught Pennsylvania History and coached wrestling and started the track program. He was awarded the Honorary Degree of Farmer by the Grassland Chapter of Future Farmers in 1967. At Palmyra he taught United States History and coached cross country, wrestling, and track. Jim coached a total of 123 teams, 62 that finished first place and 52 that were undefeated.

He had winning streaks of 93 in boys track, 64 in girls track, 66 in wrestling, 39 of 40 in girls and 11 boys in cross country. But more important than winning, Jim wanted the student athletes to learn good sportsmanship and become good citizens in the community. He went into the Palmyra Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2002, he was the middle school teacher of the year, and was the Regional Junior Achievement teacher of the year. He worked at the playground in the district during the summer.

Jim’s hobbies were long walks, being a devoted Cincinnati Reds fan since 1952 and doing things with his family. He and his wife have 2 cats, Pete and Rose.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home, 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00-7:00 PM and on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wills Eye Retina Center in Philadelphia, or any Palmyra sports team.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rothermelfuneralhome.com