James L. Koontz, Jr.

James L. Koontz, Jr., 50, of Carlisle, died Monday, December 11, 2023 at Holy Spirit Hospital.

Born in Duncansville, he was the son of the late James and Carol (Zembower) Koontz, Sr. and the husband of 9 years to Colette Boyer Koontz.

Jim graduated from Central High School in 1991 where he played football, ran track and wrestled. He also graduated from Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, in 1995.

Jim began his career at Cumberland Valley in October 2000 as the Grounds Supervisor. His dedication to the facilities and to his work and his commitment to CV helped him climb the ranks, becoming the Assistant Facilities Director in; 2009 and, eventually, the Facilities Director in early 2012.

To say he had a green thumb was an understatement. In addition to playing golf, Jim was involved in maintaining many area golf courses. Jim was also involved in maintaining the baseball field where the Harrisburg Senators play. He won Football Field of the Year in 2002 from Sports Turf Managers Association for Chapman Field at CV High School.

Jim was an avid sportsman, going out whenever he had spare time, even making many trips to Canada to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed Nascar, Penn State football and wrestling, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Another passion of his was for high school wrestling, where he worked as a PIAA wrestling official for many years. Jim was involved in the PIAA Carlisle Chapter of Wrestling Officials and was licensed throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. He was also in charge of arranging the annual Rick Trimmer Golf Outing in memory of PIAA official Rick Trimmer. Proceeds from the golf outing went to providing scholarship funds for many area student athletes, which was dear to his heart.

Jim was a member of the Mechanicsburg Club, enjoyed spending time at Kettle Creek, and played Santa for many area children and animals.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Benjamin (Jennifer Johnson) Koontz, of Pittsburgh, Alex Koontz, of Carlisle, Dawson Koontz, of California, Sarah (Jared) Bartlebaugh, of Colorado; his granddaughter: Penelope, to whom he was affectionately known as “Pop’”; his sister: Heather (Cory) Rudnick, of Duncansville; his nephews: Seth and Conner as well as many aunts, uncles, many generations of Chocolate Labs and a cat.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 2 to 8 PM at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation Ltd., 2020 W. Trindle Rd., Carlisle and again Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 12 to 2 PM at the funeral home. His funeral service will begin at 3 PM following the viewing time. The family requests that you “dress as you knew Jim.”

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to PIAA Carlisle Chapter Scholarship Fund, c/o Joe Theis, 6729 Congressional Terrace, Fayetteville, PA 17222.