James ‘Pappy’ C. Strous

Published: Saturday, May 30, 2009 6:59 AM EDT

James “Pappy” C. Strous, age 53, of Fairfield, died peacefully, and went home to the Lord, on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Feb. 17, 1956 in Sunbury, and was the son of Lois (Marks) Strous of York, and the late William “Bill” Strous. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 15 years, Margaret “Maggie” R. (Toms) Strous.

James was a member of Freedom Valley Worship Center in Gettysburg, and was the president of M.J.M., Motorcycles for Jesus Ministries in Gettysburg, known as the “Rolling Saints.” He loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and was chaplain of the Gettysburg H.O.G. Chapter.

Surviving in addition to his mother and wife, are two daughters, Amy Kraft and husband Dennis of Spring Grove and Michelle “Shelly” Beck and husband Matthew of New Oxford; a step-son, David Gladhill and wife Karen of Orrtanna; three sisters, Cindy Bauserman of York, Bonnie Hamme of Spring Grove, and Wendy Holt of Hanover; and three grandchildren, Larissa and Brittany Langkam, and Brandon Beck.

He was predeceased by siblings, Kathleen Strous, William Kenny Strous Jr., and Steve Strous.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the Freedom Valley Worship Center, 3185 York Road, Gettysburg, with Pastor Vaughn Crago officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Fairfield Union Cemetery in Fairfield. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 2, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Cancer Care Center, 25 Monument Road, Suite 294, York, PA 17403; Cancer Treatment Centers of America, 1331 E. Wyoming Ave., Suite 4040, Philadelphia, PA 19124 or to Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding, c/o Freedom Valley Worship Center, 3185 York Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

Arrangements are by the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Emmitsburg, Md.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.myersdurborawfh.com.