James J. “Jim” Desch, 85, of Allentown, died April 4, 2021, peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife Mary, beloved great-grandson, Corey, and his four children.

Born July 6, 1935 in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of the late Constantine A. and Clara R. (Schimanski) Desch.

He lived his early years in Chicago and its suburbs.

A graduate of Lane Tech High School, he attended the University of Illinois.

He was a loving father and husband who was passionate about traveling and anything to do with aviation.

He was proud to be an early and lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

He used his entrepreneurial talents to create a very successful small business.

When he was not working or doing handyman projects around his house, he loved to sit in West Park and listen to The Allentown Band.

He also loved to hear and witness the spectacle of the Drum Corps International competition.

The annual AirVenture of the EAA at Oshkosh, Wis., was a thrill for him to attend and he did so as often as possible.

He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him, in particular, his great grandson, who was his constant companion the last 12 years. Cleared for takeoff.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Pamela J. Desch (Ron) of Harrisburg, Peter J. Desch of Chicago, Patricia J. Desch (Ginny) of Alameda, Calif., William S. Desch (Connie) of Sleepy Hollow, Ill.; great-grandson Corey; sisters Marilyn Miodonski of Wheeling, Ill., Carol Farina of Chicago; former wife Audrey M. Desch of Sleepy Hollow; grandchildren Izaak, Lauren and Preston; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brother, Adam Desch.

His service will be private, at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Allentown Band, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.