James Walter Orendorf

James Walter Orendorf “Jimmy” was born on January 11, 1949 and left us to join the Lord on July 28, 2016.

Jim graduated from Bridgeville High School in 1969, which was the last graduating class before the school closed.   After proudly spending four years in the United States Coast Guard from 1969-1973, he attended in the 70’s & 80’s Delaware Technical & Community College.  He also volunteered with the Bridgeville Fire Department.

Jim met & married Janet Cokonougher “Jan” in 1974 at the South Yarmouth Methodist Church in Massachusetts.  He joined the Dover Air force Base Fire Department in 1974 as a civilian and worked there for eight years.  He then transferred to Fleet Services at the base where he spent 8 more years before retiring due to back problems.  After his retirement he took up the role of “Mr. Dad” taking care of his family from home.

Jim’s interests were his family, his two children, Christian James Orendorf of Magnolia, and his daughter Theresa Lynn Orendorf Nicholson of Dover.  He was especially enamored by his grand daughter Alex.  He enjoyed playing video games, was active with the Boy Scouts and youth ministry at Whatcoat United Methodist Church, the Polytech Band Booster’s and served as President of the Camden-Wyoming Lions Club for the 1987-1988 term.  Jim used to donate trees to Polytech High School to the Environmental Services department to make wreathes every year from 2000-2015. Jim and his wife Jan actively belonged to the marriage encounter group through the United Methodist Church.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jan, son Christian Orendorf and girlfriend Mary Ann Adran, grand daughter Alexandria Lynn Orendorf, daughter Theresa Orendorf Nicholson, son-in-law Mark Nicholson, brother Daniel Orendorf & sister-in-law Marge Orendorf of Ocean View, DE, sister Ruthann Leister, brother-in-law Derek Leister, sister Mary Catherine Reed, brother-in-law C. James Reed from Milton, DE, two stepbrothers Harold Orendorf & his wife Jacky and Daniel Ernest Orendorf, many nieces, nephews, cousins.

Jim’s philosophy was to always be there for family, friends and even strangers who need his help.  He would often give money to homeless or rides to people along the road who needed them.  Jim will be missed.  He was loved by all.

Interment with military honors, 11 am, Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at Delaware Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro, DE.

A celebration of life will take place 7 pm, Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Whatcoat United Methodist Church in Camden, DE.  Friends and family may begin calling at 6 pm.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Whatcoat UMC or Shepherd’s Place.

Letters of condolence may be shared at www.pippinfuneralhome.com

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