James L. Hostetter

James L. Hostetter, 93, of Ferguson Valley Road in McVeytown, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Born on November 28, 1932, on his family’s farm in Gap, Lancaster County, he was the son of the late I. Eby and Ruth (Martin) Hostetter. In 1955, Jim moved to Mifflin County, where he worked for nine years as a milk tester for DHIA and sold and serviced silo and milking equipment. On May 10, 1958, he married Patricia A. (Deeg) Hostetter, and together they shared 67 years of marriage.

In 1964, Jim purchased the farm in Ferguson Valley where he lived for the rest of his life. For 57 years he operated a successful dairy farm, raising registered Holstein cattle and growing crops while practicing careful soil conservation. He took great pride in maintaining his fields and installing the distinctive white board fencing along his pastures. A longtime member of the Spring Run Church of the Brethren, he served as a deacon and on numerous church committees. Jim also contributed many years of service as an Oliver Township supervisor and held leadership roles in several agricultural organizations, including Select Sire Power, Agway, the Mifflin County Holstein Association, Farm Bureau, and Penn State Cooperative Extension. He was a founding member of the Silver Streak Hunting Club and a member of the “Swashbuckler” Bull Syndicate.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of McVeytown; a son, Gregory J. Hostetter and his fiancée Denise Hornberger of McVeytown; a daughter, Beth A. Johnson and her husband Theodore of Dover, Delaware; a grandson, Colton J. Johnson; three sisters, Rhoda Clemons, Mary Alice Hostetter (Terry Coffey), and Nancy Gournley (Gary); and 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.