James A. Fies, 86, of Newmanstown, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital. He was the husband of the late Joanne Marie (Kaley) Fies.

Born in Lebanon, PA on January 3, 1937, James was a son of the late Leroy Fies, Sr. and Myrtle (Kreiser) Fies. He was a 1956 graduate of Lebanon High School. He was employed for many years as a corrections officer and also worked at Berkshire Hosiery in Reading and the Lebanon Daily News. In his younger years he enjoyed being active in the Jaycees, hosting exchange students, and being involved in the Big Brothers Program. He was a member of the Church of St. Cecilia and numerous hunting clubs. James loved the outdoors and was an avid trapper, hunter, and fisherman.

James is survived by three children: Kathleen E. Barry, wife of Joseph, James M. Fies, husband of Mary Jo, and Suzanne M. Papson, wife of David; six grandchildren: Joshua P Marinkov, Justin D. Marinkov, Andrew R. Fies, James M. Fies, Jr., Matthew R. Fies, and Alexis M. Papson; nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Thomas and Terry Fies; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, PFC David J. Fies and four brothers, Leroy Fies, Jr., Jerome Fies, Richard  Fies, and Philip Fies.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc., 126 S 9th St, Lebanon, PA 17042. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10-11 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in James' name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org). Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com