James L. Hostetter
James L. Hostetter, 93, of Ferguson Valley Road, McVeytown, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his home.
Born Nov. 28, 1932, on his family’s farm in Gap, Lancaster County, he was a son of the late I. Eby and Ruth (Martin) Hostetter. On May 10, 1958, he married his wife of 67 years, Patricia A. (Deeg) Hostetter, who survives at their home.
Also surviving are: a son, Gregory J. Hostetter and fiancee Denise Hornberger of McVeytown; a daughter, Beth A. Johnson and husband Theodore of Dover, Delaware; a grandson, Colton J. Johnson; three sisters, Rhoda Clemons, Mary Alice Hostetter (Terry Coffey), Nancy Gournley (Gary); five brothers, Milton, Charles, Ray (Jane), Dale, and Sanford (Tera) Hostetter.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Abram and Isaac Hostetter; and a sister, Grace Weaver.
Jim came to Mifflin County in 1955, working as a milk tester for DHIA for nine years; and also selling and servicing silo and milking equipment.
In 1964 he purchased his farm in Ferguson Valley where he lived until his passing. For 57 years he worked as a dairy farmer, doing a good job of growing crops and taking care of his registered Holstein cattle. Jim was very conscious of using good soil conservation farming practices in his fields, and worked hard at installing and painting the white board fence along his pasture.
He was a member of the Spring Run Church of the Brethren where he served as a deacon and on various church committees.
Jim served as an Oliver Township supervisor for many years and served as a member and officer of many agricultural organization’s board of directors, including Select Sire Power, Agway, Mifflin County Holstein Association, Farm Bureau, and Penn State Cooperative Extension.
He was also a founding member of the Silver Streak Hunting Club and a member of the “Swashbuckler” Bull Syndicate.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Spring Run Church of the Brethren, 6712 Ferguson Valley Road, McVeytown, with Pastors Craig and Kate Gandy officiating.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Spring Run Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 333, McVeytown, PA 17051.
Harshbarger Funeral Home, McVeytown, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.harshbargerfuneralhome.com.