James W. Tumpey, Sr., known to his family and friends as Jim, 81, of Bethlehem, PA died peacefully on Wednesday, April 28, 2026 in his home surrounded by the love of his family.   He was the husband of Peggy A. (Held) Tumpey with whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage on September 26, 2025.   Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Francis and Alma (Mast) Tumpey.  After graduation from Liberty High School in 1962, he worked as a kitchen orderly at St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill and then as a delivery driver for the former Alice Kay, Bethlehem.  Jim then accepted the position as a laborer at the former Bethlehem Steel.  This was a position he held for over 35 years until he was forced to retire when Bethlehem Steel closed.  He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Bethlehem.   Jim enjoyed puzzles, attending Music Fest and dancing with Peggy, especially the polka numbers.   He was a talented artist who never really recognized how good his drawings were. He treasured his family and the time spent with his grandchildren and the memories they made.

Survivors: Wife; son, James W. Tumpey, Jr and his wife Mildred of Bethlehem; daughter, Debra Bittenbender and her husband Michael of Greentown, PA; sister-in-law, Carole Hontz of Bath, PA; grandchildren, Tabitha Tumpey of Bethlehem, Christina Pearl and her husband Robert Moselle of Palm City, FL, Dahlia Bittenbender of Greentown, Dylan Tumpey of Bethlehem; great grandchildren, Jeremiah Torres, Julianna Torres; step grandchildren, Israel Soto, Alyssa Bittenbender, Kaleena Hess; step great grandchildren, Josh K. and Daveena H., nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by brothers, Richard Tumpey and Francis Tumpey.

Service: Memorial Service 11:00AM Friday, May 8, 2026 at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem. A calling period will be held from 9:30AM to 11:00AM Friday, May 8, 2026 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Please record a memory at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions: Memorials may be made in James's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org.