James H. Slusser

James H. Slusser, age 83, of Bloomsburg, died on Thursday afternoon, June 27, 2013 at his home of 49 years, under the care of Columbia Montour Home Hospice. Jim was born on Saturday, December 14, 1929 in Main Township on the family farm, a son of the late Daniel H. and Bertha A. (Linn) Slusser. Due to his mother’s declining health, he was raised by an aunt and uncle: Sarah and Charles Hauck. He completed his high school education in 1948 as a member of the graduating class of the Mifflinville High School. He continued his education from Bloomsburg University throughout the years receiving three degrees: B.A. in 1990, M.M.A. in 1992 and B.S. in 2004. Jim was also currently working towards the completion of a Ph.D. During the 1950’s, Jim was employed in Washington D.C. by the American Securities Bank. After his return to Bloomsburg, he spent many years as a hair designer to many patrons in the Bloomsburg area, operating his salon from his home. He also taught English and Drama in the Shamokin, Mt. Carmel, Northwest and Bloomsburg School Districts. Jim’s career was expanded to include teaching Cosmetology at the Empire School of Beauty as well as at the State Correctional Institution at Muncy. During his younger years, Jim was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Mifflinville and for the past 35 years he was a faithful member of the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg. Jim was dedicated in serving as a lay minister, a member of the church council, chairman of the Worship and Music committee, director of St. Matthew Players, assisted with the funeral luncheon programs and also served in many offices throughout the church over the years. Jim was also a co-founder of the Bloomsburg University Alumni Summer Players where he directed productions for 15 years and was a founding trustee of the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble. In 2003 he directed the Bloomsburg High School production of “Anything Goes”. Jim will always be remembered for his friendship, strength, determination, caring heart, and will be dearly missed by all of his friends and family, In addition to his many friends and “adopted” family members from the Bloomsburg area, Jim is survived by a sister: Mary C. Reichart of Orangeville, the last surviving of thirteen children. Jim was preceded in death by eleven siblings, the late Wilbur Slusser, William Slusser, Fred Slusser, Norman Slusser, Paul Slusser, Abrose Slusser, Elva Wolfe, Ruby Slusser, Charles Slusser, Susan Slusser and Betty Walters. A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, July 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. from the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 123 N. Market Street, Bloomsburg. Funeral services will also begin on Friday, July 5, at 11 a.m. from the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Joel L. Zeiders, officiating. Graveside services, where Jim will be laid to rest on the family plot, will be held in the Mifflinville Cemetery will immediately follow. The Slusser family is being assisted by the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eight Street, Bloomsburg. Memorial Contributions are suggested to St. Matthew Memorial Fund 123 Market St. Bloomsburg PA 17815.

James H. Slusser

December 14, 1929 - June 27, 2013