James L. Karmonick
July 25, 1938 — May 8, 2024
Walnutport
James Karmonick, 85, of Walnutport, passed away surrounded by his family in his residence on May 8, 2024. He was the devoted husband of the late Jo-Ann (Rashko) Karmonick for 48 years before her passing in December of 2016. Born in Hazleton, he was the beloved son of the late Stephen J. and Catherine (Kakalecik) Karmonick. James was a graduate of Hazleton High School and Vo-tech class of 1956. After graduation, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy (1958-1962), including on the maiden voyage of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). He then worked at Foster Wheeler Energy Corp. and subsequently spent most of his working career at AT&T affiliates in Allentown. He worked in the tool room at Bell Laboratories for several years and then in the maintenance department at Western Electric (later known as Lucent) until his retirement. James was a dedicated leader who served for many years as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 15 at St. Paul’s UCC in Indianland. James also enjoyed outdoor activities like landscaping and building projects at his family’s home, golfing, biking, and exploring the scenic landscapes of Lehigh Township and surrounding areas. In his younger years, he was also an enthusiastic skeet and target shooter. Above all, James was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with his loved ones and will be missed by all who knew him. James will be lovingly remembered by his son, Thomas J. of Walnutport; daughter, Jennifer A. Karmonick of Northampton (Lehigh Township); granddaughter, Angelique N. Karmonick; great granddaughters Avalina and Miya; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sisters Rosemary Waldron of Reading, Catherine Martnick of North Catasauqua, and Mary Theresa Hoegg of Hazleton. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by siblings Stephen G. Sr. and Nancy Filipek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church (1152 Oak Rd., Walnutport, PA 18088). Viewings will be held on Tuesday, May 14th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Harding Funeral Home, Inc. (25-27 N. 2nd St., Slatington, PA 18080) and again on Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church at the address above. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hardingfuneralhomeinc.com.
