James “Jim” C. Bantz (Retired)
December 28, 1936 – February 09, 2011

James “Jim” C. Bantz, 74, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. Jim was born December 28, 1936 to the late Wilbur and Lucille Bantz in Auburn, Nebraska.

Jim graduated from Auburn High School before joining the U.S. Air Force and served for six years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served his country an additional 15 years. Jim was a helicopter mechanic who served two tours of Vietnam. He retired from the military with full honors including Good Contact Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Army Commendation Medal.

Jim enjoyed a second career driving truck for Hall’s Motor Trucking and Consolidated Freight. In retirement he also worked for Avis Car Rentals, never one to sit still very long. Jim was truly a “character”. He was famous for his humor, and his never ending supply of jokes. While working at Avis, he started a club called “Romeo”, aka Real Old Men Eating Out. He enjoyed making people laugh!

He is predeceased by his first wife Rosemarie (nee Fulton), brothers Leroy, Lale and Charlie. He was predeceased by his second wife of 22 years, Nellie-Mae who he missed dearly. He is survived by his brother Glenn “Pood” Bantz and his wife Ruth Ann, as well as son Jeffrey, daughter Roxann LeVan, stepchildren Ben Calhoun (with whom he lived), Angela Tennis (husband Skip), Alex Calhoun (wife Susan), two granddaughters, Jennifer (Roxann’s daughter) and Bonnie, (Ben’s daughter) and step children Mandy, Brian and Michael and great granddaughter Genesis and his faithful doggie, BeeBee.

A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, March 15th at the First United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg at 11 AM., with Reverend Michael Minnix officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be held at the family’s convenience at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

In lieu of flowers, donations made by made to the Ronald McDonald House, 745 West Governor Road, Hershey, PA 17033. Arrangements entrusted to Myers Funeral Home of Mechanicsburg. www.pennlive.com/obits