James “Jim” D. Warner, 68, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, service, friendship, and devotion to the people and places he loved. Jim valiantly faced his ALS diagnosis with strength, humor, courage, and dignity.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Kerry Sacco, who was his devoted partner and tireless caregiver throughout his illness. Together, they shared a cherished 24-year marriage and a life filled with love, laughter, animals, adventures, and a strong commitment to their community.
Born in Lebanon, PA, Jim was the son of the late Eugene B. and Patricia Lakatosh Warner and was preceded in death by his infant sister, Donna.
He is survived by his brother, William (Judy) Warner; sisters, Joann Warner (John Latimer) and Karen Bechtold (partner, Peter McCue); nieces, Sara Walsh and Kaitlin Latimer; nephews, Chris Warner, Ben Bechtold, and Ryan Latimer; and maternal cousin, Amy Ware (Walker).
Jim grew up in the city of Lebanon, where he spent his youth playing basketball, baseball, and football on neighborhood courts and fields with the many friends who became an important part of his early life. At Lebanon Catholic High School, he eventually focused on football and became a standout three-year starter at linebacker. His talent earned him first-team all-star honors as a junior, and during his senior year, he was named a two-way first-team all-star and team MVP. He graduated in 1976.
Jim went on to attend Millersville University, earning a degree in secondary education. After several years of teaching, he was awarded a graduate assistantship in the GeoEnvironmental Department at Shippensburg University, where he earned his master’s degree in 1984. That education became the foundation for a career that would have a lasting impact far beyond Lancaster County.
Jim was a recognized leader and visionary in the field of environmental management. He served for 22 years as CEO of the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA), where his innovative approach helped transform regional waste management into a self-sufficient model integrating recycling, waste-to-energy combustion, and advanced landfilling.
He was also a pioneer in environmental markets, becoming the first leader of a U.S. public organization to join the Chicago Climate Exchange and trade greenhouse gas reduction credits. In 2011, he served as President of the International Board of Directors of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Throughout his career, Jim remained committed to finding practical ways to balance environmental stewardship, responsible resource management, and the growth of the community he loved.
But for Jim, a successful career was never simply about a job or a title. Service was woven into who he was. He believed strongly in making Lancaster County a better place to live, work, learn, and explore. He generously gave his time, energy, and considerable leadership skills to numerous nonprofit and civic organizations, often eventually serving as president or chairman.
Among the organizations he led were the Economic Development Company (EDC) of Lancaster County, the Susquehanna Heritage Area, the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, and the Lancaster AmBucs. He also served on the boards of the Millersville University Foundation and the former James Street Improvement District (JSID). His influence reached across the educational, economic, cultural, and civic life of the region.
Perhaps some of Jim’s most enduring contributions can be found outdoors, in the places where people walk, ride, gather, and enjoy the natural beauty of Lancaster County. He championed the transformation of former industrial sites into public recreational spaces, helping develop several sections of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, the Chestnut Grove Natural Area in Manor Township, and the Noel Dorwart Park/Farmingdale Trail in East Hempfield Township.
These places reflect something fundamental about Jim: he believed that the work we do today should leave something meaningful behind for the people who come after us. Away from work and community service, Jim had a long list of things he loved. Music, cycling, hiking, wildlife, and the outdoors were all important parts of his life. He immensely enjoyed watching (and sometimes cursing at) Eagles and Phillies games. He adored his dogs and, together with Kerry, opened their home and hearts to rescue animals, fostering more than 17 animals over the years.
Jim had a wonderful ability to bring his many interests and people together. He created the Barn at Farmingdale, where he hosted nonprofit events and concerts. Supporting local musicians was just one more way he gave back to the community.
Jim leaves behind much more than a list of accomplishments. He leaves behind trails that people will continue to walk, parks where families will gather, organizations that are stronger because of his leadership, animals that were given a second chance, and countless people whose lives were touched by his friendship, generosity, and example.
What a wonderful life he and Kerry built together.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Music for Everyone, Lancaster AmBucs, Lancaster History, Millersville University Foundation, Millersville Football, or ALS MidAtlantic. Contributions can also be made towards special scholarships in Jim and Kerry’s names at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. The Sacco-Warner Endowed Scholarships for the Arts were created as yet another lasting way to honor their belief in education, creativity, and the future of their community.
A celebration of Jim’s amazing life will take place at West Art Community Center, 816 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, PA, on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. Please consider taking an Uber to the celebration. Parking is on the street, and overflow parking will be at the Harrisburg Pike and Race Avenue entrance. A shuttle will be offered.
Please visit Jim’s Memorial Page at TheGroffs.com.
