James Alexander Conger

James Alexander Conger of Villanova, Pennsylvania passed away on April 8, 2023 at age 88 after a heart attack.

He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Julia, and his children, Scott Conger (Michelle) of Hanover, MD, Steve Conger of Glenwood, IA, Leslie McDonald (John) of Omaha, NE, Joseph Johnson (Stephanie) of Harriman, TN, and Nicholas Pennington (Lauren) of Villanova, PA. He is also survived by a sister, Jean (Saxton) and her son Andrew (of Ames, IA) and daughter Amy (Sanford) of Davenport, IA. He was happy to be a grandfather and a great-grandfather.

Jim was born to Darrell and Ann Conger on September 26, 1934 in Ida Grove, Iowa. Along with his older sister he lived there through high school, making lifelong memories. He graduated from the University of Iowa, and attended University of Iowa Law School. He was a fervent Eagles football fan and played golf for decades, achieving four hole-in-ones during his long life.

Jim joined the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War and was a medic for two years in Germany, an experience that underscored his strong patriotism.

After joining State Farm Insurance as a consultant, Jim spent time in Waterloo, IA and ultimately moved to the Philadelphia area, where he lived for more than five decades. He was married to his second wife, Doris, for forty years until her death in 2009.

In 2012, Jim took a chance on online dating and met Julia Pennington on e-Harmony. Soon they fell in love and got married on November 26, 2013. They enjoyed life, spending time with family and going around the world on various cruises, including a three-week Hawaii honeymoon cruise. Jim loved inviting guests to his house in Sea Isle City, NJ. Jim was very involved with Coatesville Country Club, of which he was president for two years. He was known for his five o’clock vodka gimlets and annual golf trips to Myrtle Beach with his buddies. Jim and Julia rescued four Yorkie puppies in their time together, and welcomed family to their house for holidays.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family on Wednesday April 12 from 6-6:30pm for a celebration of Jim and Julia's lives together, followed by dinner 6:30-8:00pm at Philadelphia Country Club, 1601 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA. The family plans to inter his ashes at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee (www.stjude.org).