Obituaries
James D. Diffenderfer, 75
May 10, 2021
James D. Diffenderfer, 75, of Lancaster, passed away due to Covid on Monday, May 10, 2021.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Walter and Dorothy (Ammon) Diffenderfer. He was the former husband of Darlene F. (Hartranft) Diffenderfer of Lancaster.
Jim had worked for KD Tool and Die Company for over 30 years until he retired, last working as the supervisor of the model shop in research and development.
He was a US Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam War on the USS Tutuila, a gunboat repair ship.
Jim loved cars and everything about them, from going to car shows to enjoying restoration to being a NASCAR fan. He enjoyed landscaping his yard, his winters in Florida, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan, married to Matthew Binder of Lancaster, and by his two grandchildren, Adam and Sarah.
Services were private and at the convenience of his family, with interment in East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at some point in the future. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Jim’s memory to the Disabled Veterans of America, Box 14301, Cincinnati, 45250.
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Condolences to the Family
June 02, 2021
My condolances to the family. I was 1 year behind Jim at J P McCaskey High School. After many years I connected with Jim through Larry Eckman who Jim traveled to countless car showsin Pa, Maryland, Delaware and New York. After Larry passed 5 years ago Jim and I traveled to car show together and I enjoyed my time with him. I have been calling his house and leaving messages for over a month and only saw the obituary. This is a shock. I hope I see the notice if there is a memorial for him. I will close by like Jim always ended our phone calls by saying “Bye Now”.
Bruce Sweigart
May 15, 2021
Tara and I offer our condolences. We were shocked when we found out Monday my uncle had passed, and and in the same breath find out he had recently been cleared of covid. I’m happy we were able to to see him on Easter Sunday. We will miss him at future family get togethers and the car events We’d run into him at. Even though he was technically my ex-uncle he was still my uncle and he will be missed.
Rick, Tara & Ricky Jacobs
May 15, 2021
We were Jim’s meighbors on Grace Ridge Drive for 23 years. Jim was a great neighbor, always willing to help out with a yard problem or with advice about a vehicle. Our son bought his first vehicle from Jim when he was in college in the mid-1990’s. We will always remember the care and effort Jim put into his lawn every year to make it a real gem in the neighborhood. He was so proud of it.
Please accept our condolences and know that we will miss a man who was a friend as well as a neighbor!
Ron and Barbara Lenox
May 13, 2021
Condolences to the family. Jim was our Model Shop Supervisor at K-D Tools and did an excellent job. He was a good friend.
Robert Arnold
May 13, 2021
Condolences to the family, will miss a good friend. Rest in piece my friend
Bob Fornwalt
May 13, 2021
My wife and I are sorry for your loss, We met Jim at K-D Tools (in the late 70’s and 80’s, we all worked there). Jim had a knack of making everyone he knew a friend. We would catch up with Jim when we would see him at car shows, the Giant Supermarket on Centerville Road, and of course Miss Calees for lunch. We will miss his laugh, his humor, and his friendship. Jim was certainly one of a kind.
Lew & Sue Baum
May 13, 2021
Condolences to the family, will miss an interesting friend.
JVL
May 13, 2021
My condolences to the family on your loss . I will miss my friends yearly visit. Rest in piece my friend
Your buddy Butch
May 13, 2021
My condolences to the family on your loss . I will miss my friends yearly visit. Rest in piece my friend
May 13, 2021
Dear Susan, Dick and I want to say how sorry we are about your dad, we loved him as a family member. We are glad we saw him at Easter and had a nice time with him. We will miss him always. If we can do anything for you please let us know. Love Uncle Dick and Aunt Joyce
