James M. Francis "Moose" Emerich, Jr., 79, of Lebanon, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Christina E. (Batdorf) Emerich.

Born in Lebanon, PA on October 21, 1943, James was son of the late James M. Emerich, Sr. and Sara J. (Boyer) Emerich. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church and worked as a lineman for the Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed).  He was also a US Army Veteran and served in the Vietnam War. In addition, he was a talented poet, author, musician and touched lives of many people using these God given talents.

James is survived by two children, Maria L. Miller, wife of Jason and James T. Emerich, husband of Melissa; two grandchildren, Michael and Jessica; and several nieces and nephews. He was the last of his immediate family. In addition, he is survived by Elizabeth "Betsy" Lydecker, life partner and travel companion.

A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm on Sunday, February 26th at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc, 126 S. 9th St, Lebanon, PA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Monday, February 27th at St. Cecilia's Church, 120 E. Lehman St, Lebanon PA 17046. A visitation will be held prior to Mass on Monday from 10-11 am at the church. Interment with full military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in James' memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 897, Hershey, PA 17033. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at www.thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.