James C. Diefenderfer

Jimmy

All things bright and beautiful;
All creatures, great and small;
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.

To Jimmy, everywhere he went, everything he did was an act of worship.
His life transformed by the power and grace of God when he was still a young man; Jimmy’s work, his relationships, his service, his care of his family, his free time was an act of worship.

You who know him can picture this:
His kayak silently sliding through the Maine back waters off Ledgemere in the moonlight.
His ever-constant presence at Micah’s ballgames, encouraging, coaching, affirming, caring.
Tossing another bale into Arlen’s hay-mow on a sultry August afternoon.
His garden, laid out with precision and purpose, working the ground till darkness took over…and his joyful celebration over the first ear of tender white sweet corn.
Jimmy and Tina’s decades of Fourth of July picnics that always started out small but ended up needing crowd control, often ending with fireworks and always with joyful laughter.
The Sunday morning he and Rick dedicated Micah, his voice cracking and tears flowing as he and Tina presented their baby boy to the Lord.
His gentle care of his oreo cows, talking to the chickens and peacocks as he fed them in the shade of the walnut trees in the back yard he loved.
Laying in the darkness on Assateague with those he loved watching meteors shoot across the sky.
You might have seen or heard him outside your house on the coldest, iciest, snowiest winter evenings filling your oil tank to keep you warm as he sought to keep from freezing under that Carhartt coat.
His deep love for Tina reflected in his care, his work, his prayers, and the keeping of his promise, “Till death do us part.”

Jimmy. Thank you for loving the Lord. Thank you for loving us.
Oh, how we’ll miss you!
And though his voice was not one for the Sunday Choir, he undoubtedly is singing joyfully in praise of his Savior on Heaven’s shores, tears of joy running into his gray beard: “How Great Is Our God!”

James C. Diefenderfer, 64, of Zionsville, passed away January 8, 2020.  He was the husband of Kristina (Kress) and father of Micah James Diefenderfer and Hal Bennick, husband of Michelle.  Born in Allentown he was the son of Sara (Cope) Diefenderfer and the late Charles F. Diefenderfer. “Jimmy” is survived by brothers: Fred, husband of Connie; Dane; Tim; sister, Jane, wife of David Hottenstein; nine grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews; predeceased by his sister Diane L. Modzel.  Jimmy enjoyed traveling with friends and family, especially to Maine, talking baseball with his son, and tending his garden. Famous for his beloved “Jimmy-isms”, he could always make us laugh and just as quickly make us think deeply. He embodied the tender-heart of Christ in his interactions with others and is beloved by all generations. We will miss you Jimmy.  We love you. Services Monday, January 13 at 11:00am Calvary Bible Fellowship Church (6782 N. Main Street, Coopersburg, PA 18036). Visitation with family and friends Sunday, January 12, 7-9pm, and 9:30-11:00am prior Monday services. To honor Jimmy, no suits or ties but rather jeans or casual attire.

In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to the children of Nathan and Denise Moyer for future education.  Nathan Moyer is a longtime friend and All Seasons Fuel business partner. Donations can be sent to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (5900 Old Bethlehem, Pike, Center Valley PA, 18034; 610.282.5683) with Memo: Jimmy Diefenderfer.

Thank you for investing in children, as Jimmy loved all children dearly.