James E. Runyen

James “Jim” E. Runyen, 84, of Honey Brook, passed away peacefully on Monday morning. Jim was born and raised in Altoona, son of the late Ross and Maxine (Mallory) Runyen.

Jim graduated from Altoona High School in 1955. It was during his time in high school that Jim met the love of his life, Beverly J. Knee. They were married on June 1, 1957, and together they shared 64 (almost 65) years of devoted and loving marriage! 

Jim’s working career started out as a milk delivery man, but he soon shifted his career focus to working for Conrail as a keypunch operator. As his career progressed at Conrail, it led to relocating his quickly growing young family to the Downingtown area where he and Beverly would ultimately raise their five children. Through hard work and dedication, Jim successfully climbed in his career to Director of Data Processing and was able to retire at a young age. 

Jim’s early retirement afforded him an opportunity to focus immensely on his many passions. He sought fervently after the Lord and poured this love into all those he encountered. Jim served Windsor Baptist Church in many roles. In the mid 1990’s Jim had a vision for a church school that he worked tirelessly towards fruition. The first classes launched a couple of years later under his leadership and today the Windsor Christian Academy serves over two hundred students in grades K-8. Jim further served the church over the years through other roles including church Deacon, Sunday school superintendent, church moderator, and chairman of the building committee. 

In addition to his faithful service to the Lord, Jim loved to spend time with his family. As a young father, he frequently could be seen coaching his kid’s sports teams and taking in many of their events. As time progressed, he was constantly found on the sidelines and in the auditoriums of his grandchildren and even great-grandchildren’s events. He invested countless hours teaching, and imparting wisdom in multiple generations of his family that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. 

He and Beverly went on many road trips throughout the country, just the two of them on the open road taking in the sights and spending time together. His love for his wife and spending time with her was a model of marriage for all that had the privilege to know them. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed many rounds of golf on the course with his friends and family. His infectious smile and engaging personality left a lasting impression on all that he encountered. 

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son Patrick, and two grandsons.  

Jim is survived by his loving wife Beverly; sister Kathy Rachael of State College; son Gregg Runyen and his wife, Terry, of Glenmoore; daughter, Michele and her husband, Joel Ashinhurst, of Stafford, VA; son Douglas Runyen and his wife, Kimberly, of Conshohocken; daughter Amy and her husband, Steve Collins, of Myrtle Beach, SC; daughter-in-law Darlene Runyen (Patrick) of Elverson, PA; and eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 3, at Windsor Baptist Church, 213 Little Conestoga Road, Uwchland, where friends and family will be received from 9:30-10:45 a.m. A visitation will also be held on Thursday at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A private interment will be held at Windsor Baptist Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Windsor Christian Academy, P.O. Box 596, Uwchland, PA 19480 or to Medical Center - Meadowbrook, Tel Hai Retirement Community, P.O. Box 190, Honey Brook, PA 19344.

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