Obituaries
James R. Stauffer, CPA, 77
May 20, 2024
Jim passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at age 77 from complications of pancreatic cancer at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy, surrounded by his family. He was the son of J. Richard and Eleanor L. (Gerhard) Stauffer. He was preceded in death by his father and his youngest brother, Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley (Crouse) Stauffer, his daughter Jocelyn Stauffer, his son Jonathan Stauffer (Angela), and his grandson Frankie. He is also survived by his mother, by his brother Richard (Adele), and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jim grew up in Ephrata where he earned his Eagle Scout award and graduated from Ephrata High School. He went on to earn a BS in Accounting from the University of Delaware. Right after starting his career, he was drafted and spent a tour of duty with the US Army in South Korea. After returning to Ephrata and getting married, he toiled in the tax departments of accounting firms in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Lancaster. Ultimately, he was hired by his largest client, The Farfield Company – a major electrical and mechanical construction company, which was closely held by a group of dedicated, like-minded young men. Jim quickly established Farfield’s right to claim a multitude of sales and use tax exemptions when performing their typical construction projects for entities exempt from tax, by filing numerous successful refund claims and assessment appeals. After six years, Jim hung out his own shingle, limiting his CPA practice to sales and use tax matters. He continued to serve The Farfield Company as well as to assist a wide variety of other construction contractors, ranging from Philadelphia to Zelienople, PA. He retired in 2015 after selling his sales/use tax practice to a regional accounting firm. Then he and Shirley promptly moved to Woodcrest Villa retirement village, where they became charter members of the “Rowdy Romarin Rebels.”
He was the former president of the Hempfield Ambulance Association, a member of the Hempfield United Methodist Church, and an avid collector of vintage and antique mechanical pencils and fountain pens. His hobbies included motorcycling and boating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the name of James R. Stauffer to Hospice & Community Care or mail to 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601. Services for Jim will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.
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Condolences to the Family
June 12, 2024
Shirley and Family, my mother and I were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I only met him a few times but he just the kindest guy with a big heart. He would come and lend his expertise in helping my dad with his computer more than a few times. My dad was very impressed with his knowledge. Shirley I have known you and your brothers David and Ken since I was young when we all went to Community church. Our deepsest sympathies go out to you and may God give you comfort in the memories you and Jim made together.
Charlotte Neuer & Karen
June 04, 2024
Shirley and Family , I am sending you and your family my deepest condolences , We have had some great times together in work and fishing together , those times will always be in my mind , I am glad that Jim reached out to me this past Year. He always meet you with a smile and a kind word
Your Friend
Bill Siwiec
May 27, 2024
I am sending my deepest condolences to Jim’s family and friends. I never had the opportunity to meet Jim in person, but we communicated for so long, sharing much information and passion about the many mechanical pencils we collected. Jim also made me happily famous by citing me in many articles. I learned a lot from Jim and will always be grateful to him for that. Rest in peace, Jim; you will never be forgotten.
Your sincere friend,
Ibrahim Abou-Saad
May 26, 2024
To Shirley and family, I am sorry for the untimely death of your beloved husband, son and father. He always had a smile on his face when you met him. He will be missed by the family here at Woodcrest and to you I express my deepest sympathy.
Peggy Hanzelman from RR
May 25, 2024
Shirley, we are saddened to hear about Jim’s passing and will miss running into him at local antique markets. Enjoyed working with Jim at the Kuntz firm and always respected his opinion as a fellow CPA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike and Paula Wolfe
May 24, 2024
Dear Stauffer Family,
We were very saddened to learn that Jim recently passed away. I am sure this is a difficult time for you all. He was always a kind and friendly person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you; God Bless you Shirley, Jocelyn and Jonathan.
Bob, Anita and Erik Maier
May 24, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim at The Farfield Company and always enjoyed his company. We met years later at Luther Acres as I got to know his mother and father. God bless you Shirley and your family. Sally Hagy
May 23, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss, Shirley. Your husband must have been a wonderful man. Pastor Harry Kaufhold
May 23, 2024
We are saddened to hear about Jim. He was our neighbor and friend from Scotland Estates. We know he is in heaven looking down at his precious family and wife Shirley. What a remarkable Man.
You all are in our prayers.
Susan and Bernie Krutsick Landisville PA
May 22, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I am sure things have not been easy. I do remember when Shirley was dating Jim and even a few visits to Jim’s Ephrata home. Lean on your good memories!
Betsy Swope
May 22, 2024
As an amazing friend and neighbor, Jim would go out of his way to help, in any way he could. Always and forever a “Romarin Rebel”, Jim had a special attachment to Dominique, the larger than life pink metal flamingo 🦩 that adorns their lawn. Shirley dresses her appropriately for each and every occasion. She now stands draped in black in remembrance of Jim and all that he meant to me and each Romarin neighbor.
Love you Jim 🥰
Gail Alexander
May 22, 2024
I have to admit I chuckled while reading this obituary, because it was clearly written by my Uncle Jim and reads somewhat like a resume. Thankful for our Saturday breakfasts, holidays at Nan & Pop’s, and your heart for your family. I know Pop is already talking your ear off in Heaven; we can all have peace knowing you are in good company. Love you!
Julie (Stauffer) Kennedy
May 22, 2024
My father taught me many things… how to swing a hammer, turn a wrench, catch a fish, and much more. But he also showed me how to be a good person, be independent, make strong/informed decisions and never look back… always look forward and improve as you go. This has been a long standing tradition in our family, passed along by grandfathers and grandmothers, fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, and cousins alike; all culminating with the current generation of young Stauffers with my son Frankie included. My Father’s dedication to family helped mold me, and directly influenced myself and my son. His presence will be sorely missed, but he has prepared all those he touched to move on without him and never miss a beat. I can certainly say he was successful in many ways, but mostly in ensuring his family has the tools and fortitude to do life in the best way we can. Love you Dad, Pop Pop, PoPo!!!
Jonathan Stauffer
May 22, 2024
I couldn’t have asked for a better father-in-law. He cared about his family fiercely and always wanted to make sure we were all set up for success. He filled a piece of me that went missing when my father passed away, and I will be forever grateful for that. As a Pop Pop, he was an ever-present light in Frankie’s life. Along with Mimi, he would make weekly treks to our house to help take care of Frankie. From the day he was born, Frankie enjoyed playing with Pop Pop, learning all kinds of things from him, and just being silly together. I appreciate the time Jon, Frankie, and I had with him, and we will all miss him dearly. Love you forever <3 <3 <3
Angela Stauffer
