James J. Eck

James J. Eck (Jim), age 82, of Hanover, PA, passed away in his home on May 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on February 11, 1942, in Lebanon, PA. He was raised at Paradise School for Boys, where he would go on to orchestrate several reunions years later and build life-long friendships. He graduated from Delone Catholic High School, and served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Jim was an avid member of the community, belonging to the Republican Club of Hanover, McSherrystown Home Association and VFW. In 1976, he and his wife, Linda, founded Colonial Advertising, a local advertising business that still serves the community today. Jim also spent many years as a private investigator, primarily helping families reconnect with lost loved ones from the past.

To know Jim, was to love Jim. He was a friend to everyone he encountered, from fellow patrons at his favorite breakfast spot, Starlight Diner, to any animal fortunate enough to hang around his back door. Jim personified kindness, generosity and joy in all that he did. Every Christmas, Jim was known for his jovial performance as Santa Claus, as well as his sixty year tradition of ringing bells on Christmas Eve for the families of young children. He loved to spend weekends at his cabin in Gettysburg, surrounded by the family he adored, and the love and life he created.

He is survived by his wife, Linda (Harman), of 57 years, as well as his two daughters, Melissa Herrick and husband, Brad, of Hanover, and Jennifer Albrecht and husband, Chris, of Hanover. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Lexi and Morgan Herrick, and Lily and Chloe Albrecht. Jim had seven brothers and three sisters, and was loved by countless relatives and friends. Jim will be forever missed.

To honor Jim’s lifelong love of animals, the family would like to direct anyone who desires to donate to the Adam’s County SPCA in his memory.

The family is having a private burial service, and will later host a Celebration of Life, with details to come.