Lester James "Jim" Kauffman

Lester James “Jim” Kauffman, 66, of Mechanicsburg and formerly of Hershey, passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital.

Jim’s professional life intertwined well with his personal passion for anything with an engine. While his initial skills were centered around autobody mechanics working at some local shops & dealerships, it eventually led Jim to management roles for ATV/motorcycle shops. He then took a turn into the self-employment world when he decided to have an independent lawn equipment repair business.
Throughout every role in every location, Jim made many life-long friends.

He grew up going to the shore every summer then discovered the joys of boating on the Chesapeake Bay. Jim loved being on or near the water; fishing and clamming in the Indian River filled many a summer weekend.

However, Jim’s greatest joy in life was simply spending time with family. He loved being a father and grandfather. Lazy Sunday afternoon visits with his sisters where he’d usually run into at least one of his nephews were among his favorite times.

In retirement, Jim developed and refined his passion for cooking and baking – and it gave him much joy to host a family cookout or get together so he could spoil us with his wonderful meals. And once the grandbabies were old enough to learn, we were all finally told the secret to “Poppi’s pancakes”.

Jim was born in Hershey, the son of the late Lester J. and Iola (Snyder) Kauffman, Sr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly J. (Coulson) Kauffman; children, Dustin C. Kauffman and wife Karen of Lewisberry and Deanna L. Starner and husband Sean of Phoenix, AZ; sister Beverly Shaffer of Palmyra; and four grandchildren, Addison, Madelyn, Presley and Grayson.

A memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Friday, October 8, 2021 in Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to service time Friday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully encourages memorial contributions in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.