James S. Herr, Founder of Herr Foods Inc., dies at 87
James S. Herr, founder of Herr Foods Inc., Nottingham, Pa., maker of Herr’s line of snacks, passed away of complications from pneumonia on April 5. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Miriam Hershey Herr. They had five children: June Gunden, wife of Doug Gunden, Peachtree City, GA; James M. Herr, husband of Lois Herr, Nottingham, PA; Edwin Herr, Nottingham, PA; Gene Herr, husband of Terri Herr, Kirkwood, PA; and Martha Thomas, wife of Daryl Thomas, Kirkwood, PA. Herr is survived by 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
He started his snack food business in 1946 with the help of his then fiancée, and now wife, Miriam. The business grew from a small potato chip manufacturing operation to a producer of a full line of snacks. Today Herr’s products can be found in most states and in numerous foreign countries. While retaining the title of founder, Herr retired from his role as chairman of the board of Herr Foods Inc., in 2005 when his eldest son, J.M. Herr, assumed the role.