The Rev. James D. Koones, 88, of Coopersburg, died Dec. 11, 2023. He was the husband of Kathleen M. (Adams) Koones. Born in Kulpmont, he was the son of the late James R. and Grace E. (Fabian) Koones.

He was a 1953 graduate of Kulpmont High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Susquehanna University in 1957. He received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and was ordained at Muhlenberg College Chapel in 1962.

Pastor Koones ministered to the congregations at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wernersville, from 1962-1968 and at St. Paul’s Lutheran (Blue) Church, Coopersburg from 1968 until his retirement in 1996. He also served as a part-time minister to deaf congregations in Reading and Allentown, from 1968-1977.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Elisabeth M. Martin (Jay), of Lebanon; Karen S. Baumbach (Steve), of Allentown; Mary M. Garrett (Jon), of Annville; grandchildren, Cameron Martin, Justin Martin, Sydney Baumbach, Lucian Garrett; sisters, Jane Bush, Selina Reuter, Michele Jones; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Joan Yoder; brother, William Kurtines.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oglala Lakota College, 537 Piya Wiconi Road, Kyle, S. D., 57752; the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank, 417 N. 14th St., Suite 101, Allentown, 18102 or the United Lutheran Seminary, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, 17325.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, Emmaus.