James Paul Neiss, 84, peacefully returned to the arms of the Lord on Friday January 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, craftsmanship, and deep love for his family and community.

Born on April 5, 1941, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Dorothy Beatty Neiss Meiskey and Howard Veryl Neiss. He was a graduate of Manheim Township High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1961 aboard the USS Compton.

James spent the majority of his career with PP&L, where he worked from 1970 until his retirement in 1998. Retirement allowed him to devote countless hours to his favorite place, his workshop. A gifted woodworker, James created many handcrafted pieces that will continue to be cherished by friends and family as lasting reminders of his talent and generosity.

An avid outdoorsman, his passion for hunting and fishing began early in life and remained a source of joy throughout the years. He was a longtime member of the Speedwell Forge Club and the Tri-County Sportsman Club in Tioga County. James was also an active volunteer with the Lititz Lions Club, where he could often be found serving food or manning the grill at community events, always willing to lend a helping hand.

James was first married to RuthAnn Neiss, who preceded him in death. He was later blessed to find love again and shared nearly 43 wonderful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Linda Wertsch Shelly Neiss. Together, they built a loving blended family that was the center of his life.

He is survived by his four children: Timothy Neiss and wife Wendy; Kelly Ann (Neiss) Bomberger and husband Douglas; Craig Shelly and wife Danette; and Jennifer (Shelly) Wainman. He was a proud grandfather to Tyler and Jon Neiss; Drew and Dain Bomberger; Penn and Brooke Shelly; and Tommy Wainman, and a loving great-grandfather to Bodie and Saylor Bomberger; Sutton and Dierks Bomberger; and Teigen Neiss. He is also survived by his brother, Howard Eugene Neiss.

James will be remembered for his quiet strength, kind heart, skilled hands, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, at 3:00 p.m. Friends are invited to a visitation prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care.