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.
Until his passing, Herr continued to serve on the board of directors and provided leadership on numerous boards dedicated to evangelism, philanthropy, and free enterprise. He was born in Lancaster, Pa, in 1924, and is survived by two brothers, Christian Herr of Willow Street, Pa., and Ira Herr of Ephrata, as well as a sister, Anna Mae Herr of Phoenix.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the James S. Herr Foundation, which supports evangelism around the world. Memorial donations can be sent to: Herr Foods Inc., 20 Herr Dr., Box 300, Nottingham, Pa 19362.