Page 4 - James Funeral Home

About Us
The Story of Two Bethlehem Funeral Homes
Since the early 1940s, when Daniel Snyder opened and operated the Snyder Funeral Home, from his residence at 527 Center Street, a special relationship began with the families of Center City and North Bethlehem. Through his vision and in an effort to meets the needs of the families he served, he expanded the funeral home and into what we have today. In the Early 1970s, Harlan Hinkle, who was operating a Funeral Home in West Bethlehem, saw a need to expand his growing funeral home. A strong friendship developed and Harlan Hinkle and Dan Snyder, who was looking to retire, decided to join their firms and create the Snyder Hinkle Funeral Home. Under Harlan Hinkle’s ownership, the Snyder Hinkle Firm continued to grow and its reputation compassionate and reverent care became well known in the Bethlehem community. When Harlan Hinkle decided to retire in the early 1990s, the firm was sold to Susan Spatig. However in in early 2000, it was once again taken back by Harlan Hinkle, when Susan decided to leave funeral service as a career. Harlan had a great concern for the families who called on the Snyder Hinkle Funeral Home in their time of need
and wanted to ensure that these families would be cared for. He later sold the firm to John Lunsford, but remained very active in the business. John Lunsford was new to our community and was also the director of the Funeral Service Education program atNorthampton Community College. John was a compassionate and caring man who had a great love for his work. He was an ordained Baptist minister and his empathetic and compassionate care for the families he served was always considered a true asset to the Funeral Home. Harlan remained active working in the funeral home with John, until his death on June 7, 2009.
Compassionate Funeral and Cremation Care Continues
In June 2012, John Lunsford died very suddenly and the funeral home was forced to close temporarily until a new owner was found. On February 15, 2013 the funeral home was sold to Louis C. James, a longtime resident of Bethlehem and a licensed Funeral Director with over 20 years’ experience. Lou knew both John Lunsford and Harlan Hinkle and when the idea of purchasing the firm was initiated; it seemed like a perfect fit. The firm re-opened on March 12, 2013, after a new license was issued by the PA State Board of Funeral Directors.
JAMES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES
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