Obituary
James Lewis “Jim” Dunkelberger, 91, a resident of Naples, Florida, formerly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania passed peacefully into eternal life early the morning of Friday, February 17, 2023 while in the care of Avow Hospice House, Naples following a lengthy illness.
Born on April 6, 1931 in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Albert H. and Mary Ella (Harper) Dunkelberger. Jim was a graduate of John Harris High School and immediately following his eighteenth birthday enlisted in the United States Navy. After two years, he transferred to United States Army. A few years later he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard, 28th Infantry Division, Harrisburg where he finished his forty-two years of military duty achieving the rank of Brigadier General upon his retirement in April 1991. He was highly trained in National Security and went on to work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Department of Military Affairs where he was awarded the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal.
Jim’s full-time job until his retirement, was working as a switchman, originally with Bell of Pennsylvania, now known as Verizon. Being dedicated to his country, as well as his community, he also served as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance attendant for the Colonial Park Fire Company for many years.
He and his wife, Barbara enjoyed seventeen years of marriage and took several trips along the east and west coasts. He was a great cook, something he learned to love while in the Army. He & his wife also had a passion for growing orchids and in 2012 an orchid was named after him.
Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Janys Wadman.
Left to cherish the memories they keep of him are his daughters, Beth A. Rabold and her husband Earl of Palmyra, PA; Laurie A. Nissel and her husband David of New Cumberland, PA; Grandchildren, including Ian W. and Dylan M. Rabold; Emma C. and Lyla G. Nissel; former colleagues and dear friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Dunkelberger will be held privately and at the convenience of his family. Future inurnment will take place in Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA where military honors will be accorded.
The Naples location of Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society is honored to care for Mr. Dunkelberger and his family at this time. Those wishing to share online condolences or a fond remembrance with the family are encouraged to do so on his memorial page.
Leave a reply