James "Jim" N. Gruber

James “Jim” Nelson Gruber, 70, of Manheim, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Raymond and Erma (May) Gruber. Jim was the devoted husband of Ruthanne (Miller) Gruber, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. A 1973 graduate of Elizabethtown High School, Jim was the owner and operator of Gruber Upholstery in Elizabethtown. After retiring, he worked at Sheetz Funeral Home in Mount Joy and at William P. Spence Funeral & Cremation Services in Manheim. He was a longtime member of West Green Tree Church of the Brethren. Jim was a proud Free and Accepted Mason and a member of the Abraham C. Triechler Lodge No. 682 in Elizabethtown. He was also an avid hunter and a longtime member of the Blain Sportsman’s Club, the Elstonville Sportsman’s Association, and the Hammer Creek Hunting Club in Brickerville, where he served in many roles as an officer, including standing Vice-President. A passionate bowler, Jim participated in several leagues throughout Lancaster County and was the President of the Thursday Industrial and Thursday Mixed Classic League at Clearview Lanes. In addition, he enjoyed golfing and cherished spending time with his family and friends. Jim also delighted in playing Santa Claus at community events, spreading joy and smiles to countless children over the years. Jim is survived by his wife, Ruthanne; three children: Bryan Gruber, husband of Lori (Warfel) of Mount Joy, Michele Gruber of Mount Joy, and Curtis Gruber, husband of Jamie (Agnew) of Marietta; three grandchildren: Isaac Gruber and his fiancée Megan Platt, Isabella Jacyszyn, wife of Dylan, and Kennedy Gruber; a great-granddaughter, Paisley Jacyszyn; four brothers: Ronald Gruber, husband of Patricia of Lititz, Marlin Gruber, husband of Elizabeth of Mount Joy, John Gruber, husband of Angela of Elizabethtown, and Edward Gruber, husband of Melissa of Elizabethtown; and two sisters: Nancy Harting, wife of Daniel of Coldwater, MS, and Joanne Musser, wife of Dewight of Shippensburg. A funeral service to honor Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Florin Church of the Brethren, 815 Bruce Avenue, Mount Joy, PA 17552. Family and friends may visit with the family on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, prior to the service. Interment will follow at West Green Tree Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evergreen (Hospice) Neighborhood Fund, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, or to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation.

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James "Jim" N. Gruber

July 18, 1955 - September 3, 2025