James L. Heidecker, Jr, Esq.

James L. Heidecker, Jr. James L. Heidecker, Jr., Esq., 78, of Lower Macungie Twp., passed away on October 3, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was the husband of Maureen (Reilly) Heidecker. Jim was a treasured husband, father and grandfather, as well as an Army veteran, long-time Lehigh Valley attorney, and a dedicated member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Born in Bethlehem, Jim was the son of the late James L. Heidecker, Sr. and the late Anne E. (Zoltanich) Heidecker. He attended Liberty High School, where he excelled at a number of sports, before going on to play football and basketball at Muhlenberg College. Jim then attended Duquesne Law School, where he had to pause his education after being drafted in the army during the Vietnam War. After serving his time, Jim graduated from law school and began a long and storied law practice in the Lehigh Valley. Jim served thousands of clients over the years, earning NFG verdicts for six decades, and solidifying his status as a legal giant in the Valley. Jim ended his career practicing at Karoly Law Firm, working with colleagues that became family and mentoring the next generation of local lawyers. He always had a story, joke, and plenty of advice for everyone who stopped by his office. Jim’s love of all sports was unparalleled. He cherished watching his children and grandchildren compete in all types of events, and he never stopped following local sports teams. He also loved all things Pittsburgh – especially the Steelers. It didn’t need to be a game day to find him dressed in black and yellow. He loved Saturday morning workouts with close friends at Iron Run Fitness, and Sunday mornings with the Breakfast Club at the Knights. Jim also enjoyed traveling and he had an uncanny ability to find the best food wherever he went. Jim made friends in every room he entered. He treasured his family and never missed a milestone, always ready to celebrate the ones he loved. He was a father figure not only to his own children, but also to their friends and many others along the way. He was passionate about social issues and quick to offer his two cents on the news of the day. Jim was beloved by family and friends for his quick wit, sharp intellect, and kind heart. Jim is survived by his wife, Maureen; three daughters, Reilly Heidecker and her partner David, Regina Barczynski, wife of Tony, and Laura Posch, wife of Michael; and son James Heidecker, husband of Jaime. Jim leaves behind five grandchildren: Allison, Lauren, Andrew, Anthony, and Sarah; and two great-grandchildren: Luca and Jackson. Jim is also survived by his sister, Jane Barthold, wife of Ralph, and brother Charles “Buzzy” Heidecker, husband of Sharon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 11 A.M. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 1601 Hamilton Street, Allentown, and on Thursday, October 9th, from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to the Cardiovascular program at Penn Medicine (https://www.pennmedicine.org/giving/fund-for-penn-medicine/where-to-give). Credit card donations can be made at Where To Give At Penn Medicine | Penn Medicine (https://www.pennmedicine.org/giving/fund-for-penn-medicine/where-to-give). For checks, please make payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania,” noting “in memory of James Heidecker” and mail to Penn Medicine Development, Attn: Jessie McCulley, 3535 Market St., Ste. 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104