James Lessig Harter Sr.

James L. Harter, Sr., 91, of Palm Coast, FL entered the Kingdom of Heaven on May 17, 2024. He was born on November 25, 1932, in Allentown, PA to the late Stanley L. Harter and Ardath M. (Lessig) Harter. Preceded in death by his brother, David Harter, and sisters Joyce (Robinson) and Ardath (Rodale).

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Shirley M. (Kozelnicky), as well as their sons James L. Harter, Jr., wife Patty of Smyrna, GA, Keith A. Harter of Weatherly, PA, Andrew S. Harter of Dunnellon, FL and Michael T. Harter, wife LeAnne and grandsons Joshua G. Harter and Adam L. Harter of Port St. Lucie, FL.

Jim began his journey knowing what he wanted to pursue at an early age. It is these early years that set him on his path to his multiple accomplishments, awards, and civic endeavors. He became an Eagle Scout in 1949 and would later serve as a Scoutmaster for 10 years, guiding over one hundred boys, ten of which became Eagle Scouts.

Jim graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1955 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.

He began his architectural career serving in the US Navy then returned to civilian life and became a registered architect in eleven states. He received many national and regional professional awards and positions including The Pennsylvania Society of Architects Board and the American Institute of Architects National Environmental Education Committee. He won Interiors Magazine Best in Energy Efficient Design and PP&L’s Award for Design Excellence in Management of Electrical Energy Resources for his design of the Rodale Press Operations Center, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives Recommendation of Achievement, Design for Excellence for The Downs of Lehigh Valley, and City of Allentown’s Mayor Award for outstanding community involvement “James L. Harter Day” Dec 13, 1994.

Jim invented and patented an open space planning assembly called Pulse, which was used in the Rodale Press Operations Center in Emmaus, Pa.

In Allentown, PA, Jim served on many civic and professional boards. American Arbitration Association, PA Society of Architects Board, First Chairman of PP&L’s Professional Cooperative Committee, 5 years as a juror on the National Council of Architectural Review Board, 6 years as founder and member of the City of Allentown Historical Architectural Review Board, and 4 years as founder and member of the City of Allentown Public Building Review Board.

Jim taught architectural subjects as an adjunct professor at two local community colleges and the Penn State University, Allentown Campus. Was President of the Allentown/Salisbury Kiwanis Club, Girls Club of Allentown Board, and the Penn State Alumni Association of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Many of you will remember him for the Penn State Football Bus trips he organized for twenty years.

He served on the boards of the Boy Scouts of America local Council Board, The Lehigh County Homemakers/Health Aid Services Board, The Lehigh Valley Environmental Federation Board, The Cerebral Palsy Board of the Lehigh Valley, the Allentown YMCA Board of Directors, and the Little Lehigh River Watershed Association Board. He served as Chair of the Allentown Planning Commission for 16 years, was Vice Chair of the Allentown Arts Commission for 18 years. 3-year Planning Commission member in West Manchester Township (PA). He was a founding partner and President for the first 8 years of the Lehigh Valley Conservancy, later to become the Wildlands Conservancy. Jim was the principal architect and designer for the Lehigh Valley Cycling Center - Trexlertown Velodrome. He was Director of Architecture at BASCO Association, York, PA from 1994-1999.

Jim had been a writer since 1950 and is a published author of ten books of poetry under the titles Mindsongs and Heartfelt Thoughts. He has written over 1400 poems, vignettes, essays and won an award in a 1969 contest with his poem “The Awakening”. He served as President of the Lehigh Valley Writers’ Guild. He had a poem “Airborne” put to music and performed by a high school choir and full orchestra in Bethlehem, PA.

In Palm Coast, FL, Jim spent 6 Years on the City of Palm Coast Architectural Review Committee. He was a 2-year Chairperson of the Community of Grand Haven Members’ Board, Recreational Facilities. He volunteered for the Flagler County School Board as a substitute teacher and writing coach for 4 years. He was a Founder and VP of Trustees of the Palm Coast Arts Foundation until 2023. Jim designed the Performing Arts Center of Palm Coast of which only the outdoor stage is constructed.

Jim enjoyed camaraderie with his friends and competing in quoits, horseshoes, croquet, tennis, golf, hearts or just about any competitive challenge. Jim will be remembered by his friends and family for his whimsical and quick-witted sense of humor, sense of adventure, creativity, spirituality, love of nature, and inquisitive nature.

Memorial donations for Jim may be made to the Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, PA 18049. https://www.wildlandspa.org/