James Gehman

Mr. James (Jim/Jimmy) Kulp Gehman, 81, husband of Sandra Lee (Blessing) Gehman and resident of Wallops Island, VA, passed away Friday, August 19, 2022, at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA. A native of Barto, PA, he was born July 15, 1941, to the late Abraham B. Gehman and Mary C. Kulp Gehman.

Jimmy’s connection to the natural world began as a young boy. His love of birds originated during long walks over hills and valleys through the woods from his birthplace atop Crow Hill to the one-room schoolhouse in Bally, PA. This love of nature continued throughout his life. He studied at Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, VA, and graduated from Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, with a degree in Biology. He regarded the dogs throughout his life - Jake, Josh, Katie, Bobbe I, and Bobbe II, as best friends who would walk with him in the woods of his properties in Berks County, PA, Hernando County, Florida, and Accomack County, VA. He loved to be on the road - by car, train, or foot, experiencing the landscapes of America. He loved maps and was always interested in where someone came from, geographically speaking, to “understand them better.” Jimmy was your go-to person for plant, tree, and bird identification offering the scientific name in addition to the common name. He was a lifelong Mennonite, birdwatcher, naturalist, Master Gardener, fast-pitch softball pitcher extraordinaire, poet, and had an extreme sense of humor. His philosophy was to use one spoon, one bowl, no napkin (save a tree), and be sure to lick your plate clean.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Sandy; his children, Jenny Gehman (John Grant) of Melfa, VA, and Suzanne Auchter (Matthew) of Reading, PA; three sisters, Johanna K. Gehman, Ada K. Gehman, and Rhoda K. Gehman, all of Barto, PA; four brothers, Dr. Linford K. Gehman (Becky) of Bergton, VA, Abe K. Gehman (Drolene) of Bally, PA, Merrill K. Gehman of Anchorage, AK, and Harley K. Gehman (Linda) of Indian, AK; his faithful dog and close companion Bobbe; sister-in-law, Jennie Gehman, who was married to his brother Ronnie; and many nieces, nephews, and their families. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his two brothers, Dwight K. Gehman and Ronnie K. Gehman.

No public services are planned at this time.

The family asks friends to show their appreciation of James and his family, by making a memorial donation in his name to either the Mennonite Central Committee, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501, or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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