James “Jim” R. Miltenberger, 87, of Moravian Village, Bethlehem, died August 14, 2024, at home. Born in Johnstown, he was a son of the late Omar W. and Nelle Pensyl Miltenberger. He was the husband of Nancy for 59 years.

He graduated from Penn State with a degree in civil engineering. He earned a master’s degree from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was a licensed professional engineer.

He was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy and spent more than 20 years on active duty on a destroyer. He was selected to participate in Admiral Rickover’s nuclear submarine program. He served on five submarines; his last sea duty was as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Sam Rayburn (SSBN 635).

He joined the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company in 1981 as the nuclear safety assessment manager. He sat on several nuclear safety review committees and presented numerous technical papers to professional organizations. Following the Chernobyl accident in 1986, he visited the Kursk nuclear power station in Russia as part of a technology exchange.

He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church.

He took up golf at age 70. He was a lecturer on historical topics with the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Cedar Crest College. He was in the Tuesday morning discussions of Charlie’s Round Table, Muhlenberg College. He was a past president, treasurer and secretary for the West Allentown Kiwanis Club. He was a member of Theta Xi social fraternity and Chi Epsilon and Tau Beta Pi academic honor societies. He was an Eagle Scout.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Bill Miltenberger; a daughter, Sheri Miltenberger; three grandsons, James, Thomas and Daniel; and two brothers, Arthur Miltenberger (Marie) and Robert Miltenberger (Rachael).

Contributions may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104.

arrangements were made by Brubaker Funeral Home Inc., Catasauqua.