James A. Spang July 14, 1943 - November 5, 2023

James A. Spang, 80, of Whitehall passed away peacefully after a short bout of cancer on Sunday November 5th, 2023 at Lehigh Valley Hospital.  His devoted daughter, Nicole, and his younger brother, Hugh, were by his side at the time of his passing.

Born in Allentown on July 14th 1943, he was one of seven siblings born to the late Al and Rita Spang (O’Donnell).  Jim graduated from Dieruff High School in 1961.  That summer, he followed in his oldest brother Daniel’s footsteps and joined the United States Navy.  He became an Aviation Machinist Mate stationed mostly in Kingsville, Texas. While in the service, he often travelled with friends to surrounding states, including to New Orleans, La where he fell in love with jazz music and started an impressive record collection.

Jim was the husband of the late Michele Ann Spang (Kochenash) with whom he shared 50 years of marriage until her passing on November 25th, 2016. They met as kids at Riverfront Park and their families grew up together in the Sixth Ward of Allentown.  Jim proudly worked at the Bethlehem Steel for over 30 years.  After retiring in 1995, he worked for ten years at B. Braun Medical in Bethlehem as a medical courier.  However, his favorite job was then with Michael Thomas Floral where he loved making everyone’s day by delivering flowers.

He was the loving father to Nicole and son in law, Jerome Maiatico of Wayne, Pa and the best Pop Pop to his “Big Buddy” Nick and his “Little Buddy” Nathan.  He loved the game of golf and enjoyed playing with the Bethlehem Hackers golf league for 40 years.  He enjoyed playing in scramble tournaments with family members, friends and especially his best friend, Bill Wallitsch.  He was a member for many years of the Mercantile Club in Emmaus and the Hogan’s Social Club in Allentown. Jim spent most weekends driving to Wayne to visit and watch his grandsons play sports. He was Nick and Nate’s biggest fan.

Preceded in death by his wife Michele, his brothers Daniel (Linda) of Whitehall, and Thomas (Patricia) of The Villages, Fl.  Survivors:  Daughter, Nicole Spang Maiatico wife of Jerome and two grandsons, Nicholas James and Nathan Louis.  Siblings Joseph (Christine) of Bethlehem, Pa, Hugh of Lake Placid Fl., Mary Jane Spang Orlando (Ed) of Allentown, Pa., Buddy (Bobbi) of East Stroudsburg, Pa. Sisters in law Elizabeth Nomie (George) and Mary Green (Steve) both of Macungie, Pa.  Many lifelong friends and cousins, 13 nieces and nephews and close family friend of him and Michele; Nicole’s Godmother, Charmaine “Cookie” Wallitsch of Allentown, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Devon Strafford Little League, P.O. Box 674 Devon, Pa 19333.

A celebration of life will be held at Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., 274 N. Krocks Rd, Allentown, PA 18106 on Friday November 17, 2023.  Calling hour will be 10:30 am – 11:30 am with a service and military honors to follow.