James “Jim” B. Minnich, 83, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026. Born on October 20, 1942 in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of the late Galen B. and Sylvia E. (George) Minnich and the loving husband of Doris E. Minnich for 63 years until her recent passing in January 2026.

Jim grew up in Lititz, met the love of his life Doris Ulrich from Ephrata and they got married not long afterwards. They lived in Lititz initially and that’s where they had their 3 kids. They then moved to Ephrata in 1975 to embrace an opportunity to manage the Dutchmaid Motel, offered by Doris’s mom and dad, Clarence (Bill) and Elizabeth (Betty) Ulrich. That business is still in the family today.

Jim enjoyed so many things in life, such as hunting, fishing, taking trips to the cabin (aka The Hog) in Huntington County at Raystown Lake. He loved supporting his favorite football team, the Penn State Nittany Lions. Jim and Doris relished raising the kids in a home teeming with humor. They promoted values such as a strong work ethic, integrity and treating others with respect. Mom and Pop loved attending the kids sporting events and always promoted a competitive spirit and to pursue interests and endeavors with intensity and passion. They both held high standards for the kids. Out of love only, mediocrity was accepted, but never expected. What was so natural for Jim was his love for family, all of their dogs (the latest Raven), and making people laugh with his incessant jokes. As a lifelong Lancaster County resident, Jim knew thousands. But more knew him. If you caught him at home, at Brights, The Udder Choice, The Dutchmaid or anywhere by happenstance, he would likely have a cigarette or coffee cup in hand (many times both). He’d invariably greet you with a smile and probably follow that up with a joke. In social situations, he’d often part ways with a punchline of another joke, leaving friends/family in laughter.

With a long list of skill sets acquired from several careers in masonry construction, being a driver and salesman for Spring Glen Fresh Foods and moonlighting as a bartender, he was prepared for when he and his wife established ownership of the DutchMaid Motel in 1983. He and Doris seized that opportunity to the fullest. Together, with their kids, they continued to develop and enhance the Dutchmaid Motel, Lounge and eventually, The Deck into what it is today. Most of the folks in the local community fondly referred to Doris and Jim as “Mom” and/or “Pop” Minnich.

Jim is survived by his 3 children; Sons: Jan S. Minnich (Kathleen) of Ephrata, Troy J. Minnich (Maureen) of Ephrata, Daughter: Kimberly ”Kim” A. Minnich (John Weaver) of Lancaster, 7 grandchildren; Tan’a (Keith) Highfield, Dakota R. Minnich, Keagan (Brittany) Remp, Jackson (Kayla) Hart, Tristan Hart, Aniston Weaver, Easton Weaver, 2 Great Grandkids: Joi Highfield and Iyana Highfield. Along with his parents and beloved wife, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Dave Minnich. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude’s children hospital or SPCA of Lancaster, PA.

A viewing and visitation will be held Saturday Oct. 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed up with a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m., held at LCBC, Ephrata; 6 Hahnstown Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522. Additionally, for guests, there will be a luncheon immediately following the service to be held at the American Legion, 12:00-4:00 p.m, located at the Ephrata Park.

Jim’s final resting place will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery, alongside his wife Doris. In the spirit of Jim’s love for Penn State, all guests are encouraged to wear white (casual) at the service and luncheon. Penn State’s annual White Out game is held on that particular evening.