James R. Vollrath

James R. Vollrath, 62, of Columbia, passed away at home on August 28, 2024. He was predeceased by “the love of his life” Valerie Lynn Beard in 2020. Born in Lancaster, PA he was the son of the late Leroy and Marilyn (Coe) Vollrath. 

After graduating from J.P. McCaskey, Jim proudly served in the US Navy as a Gunnersmate Guns first class (E-6) serving on the USS Constellation and USS Kitty Hawk. James was honorably discharged in 1988. Jim was a veteran who invested his time and energy into lifting up other veterans. He was a board member and mentor with the Lancaster County Veterans Court Community Partnership. Held several positions within the American Legion including Post Commander of Post 34, 10th District Commander, Eastern Section Vice Commander and most notably State Commander from 2018-2019. 

Much of Jim’s professional career consisted of being a corrections officer for the Lancaster County Prison. After retirement, you could find him down at the Riverside for breakfast with his buddies and Valentino’s by lunchtime.

Jim enjoyed spending time at his little slice of Heaven, ‘Coe-Z’ on the Susquehanna River as well as fishing and hunting. He spent 25 years as a Hunter Safety Instructor with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and was a member at the Red Rose Chapter of Isaac Walton League of America. He also enjoyed cheering on his granddaughters and the Penn Manor Field Hockey Team. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Danielle Geiter (wife of Nathan) and Samantha Vollrath (wife of Andrew), two “bonus” children, Katie Cloud (wife of Scott) and Ryan Beard, and two granddaughters, Kayden and Sophia Geiter. Also surviving are siblings, Gary Vollrath, Lois Mena (wife of Pedro) and Cathy Vollrath. 

A celebration of life service will be held at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 106 N 2nd St, Bainbridge, PA 17502 on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM.  To view the service virtually, please click the following link:  https://my.gather.app/remember/james-vollrath

A time of remembrance will follow the service at The American Legion Post 372, 329 Chestnut St., Columbia, PA 17512.  Parking will be limited so please consider carpooling if possible.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Veterans Court Community Partnership PO Box 432 Willow Street PA 17584-0432 or PointerRescue.Org, Inc. 1100 Timberlake Drive West Cordova, TN 38018. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com