James Richard Gettle, 73, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his passing.

Born in Lebanon on Sept. 20, 1952, Jim was the son of the late Roy and Verna Gettle. He was a graduate of Cedar Crest High School, where he excelled in sports, and went on to graduate from East Stroudsburg University. He was in furniture sales for many years and was the manager of the furniture department at Boscov’s. Jim also dedicated his time to coach the Myerstown football team for 40 years. He coached and mentored many kids throughout his coaching career. Being on the field is what brought him the most joy in life besides being with family and friends. He loved spending time with his grandkids, watching them play sports, and cheering them on. He was always on the go, playing golf, fishing, cooking out, seeing live music, and going to his favorite spots. He lived life to the fullest and was always there to lend a helping hand.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Gettle; siblings, Greg Gettle and Sally Kirby; children, Joseph Gettle, and wife, Adrienne Gettle, and Erin Gettle, and husband, Javier Lozada; and grandchildren, Caden Gettle, Hudson Gettle, Calvin Lozada, Cristiano Lozada, and Aidan Sullivan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

There will not be services at this time, but a celebration of life that will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that monetary donations be made to the Myerstown Panthers Football. Donations can be mailed to: Stephanie Wilson, 117 W. Carpenter Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067.

Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.

At Thompson Funeral Home, four generations of the Thompson family have offered their knowledge, compassion, and experience while serving the families of the Lebanon area for the past 135 years.