James M. Gourniak, Sr. OBITUARY
James M. Gourniak, Sr. OBITUARY
James M. “Cupcake” Gourniak, Sr., 77, of Ormrod, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospice (Inpatient), Allentown. He was the husband of Andrea R. “Cookie” (Miller) Gourniak of Allentown. Born in San Mateo, CA, September 30, 1948, James was the son of the late Michael J. and Florentine R. (Steckel) Gourniak. He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees CBMU-301 during the Vietnam War. He founded, owned and operated East Penn Hardwood Flooring in Allentown for 27 years before retiring in 2017. He served as Chaplain of Egypt V.F.W. Post #7293, Whitehall. He was a member of the Allen O. Delke American Legion Post # 16, Slatington. James also served as PA District 14 Commander of the American Legion. He faithfully participated in many public events including funerals as part of the honor guard. James attended St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Northampton. An avid “history buff”, Jim enjoyed entrenching himself into world history through reading and was a lifelong hobbyist of large scale model battleships. With a book in hand, he exemplified how knowledge is a key component for success through critical thinking. We will always remember “Big Jim’s” wit, humor, and intellect….rest easy “Old Man”….until we meet again.
Survivors: In addition to his wife; son, James M. Gourniak II and his wife Dr. Amy Gourniak of Allentown; sister, Jane E. Smith-Decker and her husband, Conrad of Millersburg; sister-in-law, Regina Gourniak of Bethlehem; many cousins, nieces and nephews; predeceased by a brother, Jeffery Gourniak.
A funeral service will take place at 10:30 am. Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville with the Reverend (Fr.) Vasil Bunik officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects from 9:30 am. – 10:30 am. prior to the service. Military honors will conclude the service at the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Egypt V.F.W. Post # 7293 c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.
