Richard A. “Dick” James of Sellersville, PA passed away at his residence surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 28, 2017. He was 82.

Born in Philadelphia, PA to the late David and Elizabeth (Paxson) James, Dick resided in Warrington and Perkasie before moving to Sellersville, PA 6 years ago.

He was a graduate of Wildwood High School in 1954 and enlisted in the US navy in 1955. He served on the USS Grampus (submarine) and became a member of the Ancient Order of The Blue Nose after crossing the Arctic Circle. Dick was discharged in 1958 and was a reservist until 1963. He graduated from the Drexel Institute of Technology in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, Dick accepted a position with the Bureau of Weapons in Washington, DC and later transferred to the Navy Facility at Johnsville, Warminster, PA. He worked on the LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) that developed manned helicopters that assisted the surface fleet in anti-submarine warfare. Dick retired from Johnsville, NADC in October 1993.

Upon retirement, Dick submersed himself in genealogy for the next 27 years. He and Wini traveled throughout the east coast to trace their lineage which indicated our family first arrived in the United States in 1637. He was very much involved with coaching, umpiring and refereeing; was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan; a member of the Welcome Society, Sons of the American Revolution and the US Submarine Veterans.

He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Edwina “Wini” James; devoted father of Terri Denise (Don) Kelly, Richard David (Marni) James, Jennifer Lynne (Patrick) O’Brien, and the late Linda Christine Shanaphy; loving grandfather of Allie Kelly, Spencer Kelly, Sean O’Brien, Dylan James, Patrick O’Brien, Alek and Zack James; dear brother of Evelyn M. Harvey and the late Elizabeth S. Binder.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Varcoe-Thomas Funeral, 344 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 on Monday, December 4th from 10:00 to 11:00 am with service to follow at the funeral home.

A committal service with military honors will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA on Tuesday, December 12th at 11:00 am

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Doylestown Hospital Hospice, 595 W. State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 www.doylestownhealth.org or the Last Chance Ranch, 9 Beck Road, Quakertown, PA 18951 www.lastchanceranch.org would be appreciated.

Send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com