James W. "Pop" Kunkel

James W. "Pop" Kunkel, 87, of Drums, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, October 27, 2022, at his home.

Born in Hazleton, January 27, 1935, he was the son of the late Charles and Doris (East) Kunkel and spent the past 21 years in Drums, after moving from Hazleton.

James was a Machinist for Thoren Industries, Hazleton for 45 years having retired on his 65th birthday.  He was a US Army veteran during the Korean Conflict having served from 1953 - 1957 in France.  He attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hazleton.  He was an active member of the American Legion Drums Post # 0795, past president of both Penn Rod and Gun Club, Hazleton, and the McAdoo Little League. Pop loved spending time outdoors birdwatching, bow hunting, Penn State football and weekly pizza night with his family.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his loving wife, the former Carole Dudeck who passed away April 7, 2011; a son Alan, a brother Edward, and two sisters Lois Schabener and Laura Mae Kinsey.

Surviving are two sons James P. Kunkel and wife Sharon, Kelayres; and Brian Kunkel, Drums; two stepsons Thomas Buff and wife Rachel, Drums; Robert Buff and wife Karen, Nescopeck; numerous grandchildren; two great-granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 11 AM from Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. (East), 699 West Butler Drive, Drums. Burial will follow in Calvary Roman Catholic Cemetery, Drums.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday morning from 10 AM until the time of the service.  

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Pennsylvania Parks & Forrest Foundation, 704 Lisburn Rd., Suite 102, Camp Hill, PA 17011 or online at paparksandforests.org. Online condolences can be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James W. "Pop" Kunkel, please visit our floral store.