James Kauffman of Pequea, Pennsylvania, Found Peace in the Simplicity of Life

Jim Kauffman, 71, of Pequea, PA, passed away surrounded by family and his beloved dog, Ernie, on September 19, 2025. Born on February 7, 1954, in Lancaster, to the late John and Mary Kauffman, he was a proud U.S. Army veteran. Jim spent much of his working life at Armstrong and Donnelly before becoming the owner and operator of Susquehanna Sharpening Service.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting, fishing, and boating. He cherished the many seasons spent at Camp Manor Field Hunting Camp in Lycoming County, enjoying hunting seasons, fishing derbies, and summers with friends and family. He also treasured his time on the Susquehanna River, where he boated, fished, skied, and even barefoot skied in his younger days. Jim found peace in the simplicity of life and in the quiet moments spent in nature.

Above all, Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He and his loving wife, Vicki (Goss) Kauffman, shared 44 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. He is survived by his wife; his sons Johnny (Melissa), Brandon (Amanda), and Jordan (Briana); and the joy of their six grandsons: Jonathan, James, Wyatt, Wade, Easton, and Owen Kauffman. To them, he was not just a grandfather, he was Pappy, a role that became his true legacy and the source of his deepest pride.

He is also survived by his sister, Jeannie Petrosky of Virginia Beach, and his in-laws, Arnold and Audrey Goss of New Providence, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Kauffman, and his sisters, Mary Groff and Sandy Eshleman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Frogtown Foundation, a Southern Lancaster County-focused nonprofit providing assistance to families in need, P.O. Box 2, Pequea, PA 17565.

Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no service. He will be remembered privately by his family.