James J. Wertman

James J. “Leapo” Wertman, 90, of 3 Meadow Avenue, Danville, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at Geisinger Columbia Montour Hospice at Maria Hall, Danville,  surrounded by his loving family. He was born Aug. 25, 1925, in Danville, a son to the late James and Emma (Prentiss) Wertman
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He graduated from Danville High School, Class of 1945. While attending High School he worked at Kennedy Van Saun and the local A&P. He then worked at Merck & Co., Riverside,  for 38 years until his retirement in 1988.

One of his favorite pastimes was watching and playing sports. His most prized sport being football. As a youthful Danville Ironmen, his coach could be heard saying, “Look at him leap!” as he graciously leaped over opposing players to score a touchdown or a much needed first down, thus creating his nickname, “Leapo”, that he carried for the rest of his life.

Leapo was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. In his youth he was an avid hunter, bowler and enjoyed going to Boy Scout activities with his sons. He was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Danville and a former member of the California Grange #941. One of his many joys in life was that he had the opportunity to play Santa Claus for various organizations.

Surviving Leapo are his wife of 65 years, Althea E. (McConnell); two sons: Gregory W., of Philadelphia and Mark J., husband of Charlotte Wertman of Danville; a daughter,  Molly A., wife of Duane Shultz ,  Danville; seven grandchildren: Michael Shultz, Brittany and Mackenzie Wertman all of Danville; Eric Shultz , Olyphant; Brenda Machuga , Bloomsburg; and Kyle and Cassie Wertman both of Philadelphia; four great-grandchildren: Reed, Gracie, Case, and Kierra Shultz.

He was  preceded in death by his parents and  six siblings: Violet, Clyde, Lucille, Thelma, Charles, and Elva.

A Service for Leap’s Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Leap Day, Monday Feb. 29, of Leap Year, 2016,  at Trinity Lutheran Church, 215 E. Market St., Danville, with  his pastor, Rev. Trevor  J. Hahn officiating. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral services.

The family will provide the flowers. Donations in his memory may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Geisinger Columbia Montour Hospice, 410 Glenn Ave., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.