Reverend Jody L. Neifert December 27, 1957 - October 28, 2024
Reverend Jody Neifert, 66, lovingly known as “Pastor Jody,” passed peacefully following complications after heart surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital surrounded by his family who sang him into Heaven. Born in Hazleton, he was a son of the late Dorothy M. (Christman) and Irvin L. Neifert. Pastor Jody graduated from Philadelphia Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1983. Pastor Jody served as the pastor for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lower Towamensing PA for 37 years from 1983 to December 2021. During that time, he led the congregation through constructing a new Sunday School building, overseeing the Palmerton Food Pantry and Thanksgiving dinner outreach, evening folk services, and shepherding the congregation through countless weddings, funerals and experiences of spiritual growth. Many people from St. John’s will remember the songs he wrote for them, the personalized messages at weddings and funerals, the backpack children’s messages, and the advice he gave on all things life and death. He loved his church, his home, his “good old girl,” and all the church family therein. Over the years, he shaped the youth of St. John’s through Sunday School and youth group; “PJ” survived trips to Bear Creek camp, the “Luther Inn” in Wildwood NJ, and many other places near and far. Pastor Jody had a unique style of joke telling, inspired preaching and personal stories to illustrate the lessons in ways that only he could. During his sermons, although it seemed like he spoke spontaneously, he spent countless (and often sleepless) hours reflecting on scripture so that he could speak from the heart. Throughout his life, Jody, the musician, played electric guitar in various bands where he shared his love of live music, especially the Grateful Dead. These two life tracks came together in the final year of his career with folk-based pandemic services in the parking lot finding a bit of light during a dark time. Many people will remember “On the Lot Again,” the honked greetings of fellowship and his playing before and during services. Throughout all that time, he made sure to make space for family, especially on camping road trips – he and his family visited 39 national parks and monuments, celebrating the beauty of this country. In his retirement, Pastor Jody spent his time reading, taking vacations with his wife and family (including his dogs), and, most of all, playing guitar on his couch, with his musician friends, and imparting his love of guitar with his grandson, Ashten. He was extraordinarily blessed to have a loving wife of 43 years, demonstrating the true meaning of loving commitment in marriage. Kim was his true partner in ministry, running the Sunday School and VBS at St. John’s for over 30 years where she inspired the children through service and “choy” through song. Since his retirement, Jody and Kim have been members of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Lehighton where they shared (and Kim will continue to share) their musical gifts and talents. He was proud of his daughter, “Dr.” Corey Olver, who has inherited his love of music and his drive for helping others through service, as well as her husband, Jason, who he loved as the son he never had. He is also survived by his sister, Ondie, who has carried on the legacy of spiritual service at his childhood church, St. John’s Lutheran of Coplay. Family friend, Sandy, lovingly cared for him in death as his funeral director. He is also survived by in-laws, Alfred and Mary Ann Horvath, brother-in-law, David Horvath, and his children, Emily Pupa and Evan Horvath, sister-in-law, Louise Neifert, and nephews, Gary (Allan) and Matt Neifert. He is predeceased by his brother, Gary Neifert. Pastor Jody, Poopah, a man of great wisdom and inspiration, will be greeted by his dogs, Maggie, Honey and Zeke, in Heaven.
Services: 2 PM Sunday, November 10th, in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2915 Fireline Road, Palmerton. There will be a gathering to greet the family and share memories after the service in the church social hall. Arrangements entrusted to Stephens Funeral Home, Inc.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, to Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org), Food for the Poor (www.foodforthepoor.org), or American Heart Association (www.heart.org).
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