Jimmy Glemser

James “Jim” Patrick Glemser, 75, of Doylestown, passed away on May 15, 2022, surrounded by family. Born in Jenkintown to Herbert and Margaret Glemser, Jim was a legendary local figure known for his work ethic, his service, and an enduring love story.

In a romance spanning 50 years, Jim married Jane Ellen Glemser (d. 2014) after famously claiming he would marry her the night they met. A proud U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam Era, Jim was a highly decorated hero, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for his sacrifice and bravery.

In the late 1960s, Jim and his brother Larry opened Glemser Bro’s in Prospectville. For over five decades, Jim was the cornerstone of the station—a master mechanic who worked tirelessly, even up until the day before his hospitalization. While he was a man of few words at the shop, he found his greatest joy at home. Whether playing ball with his children, tackling home projects, or sharing nightly drinks and conversation with Jane at the kitchen table, family was his priority.

A musician at heart, Jim played with the Valley Express band and was known for his soulful rendition of “House of the Rising Sun.” His home was a sanctuary for friends and family alike, filled with music, laughter, and poker games.

Jim is survived by his children, Gregory and Stacey, his brother Gregory, and five beloved grandchildren. He is finally reunited in song with his beloved Jane.

You can read the full obituary here.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class James P. Glemser, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Specialist Four Glemser distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 May 1969 while serving as a radio telephone operator during a search and clear operation near the city of Tan Ky, Quang Tin Province. While maneuvering against well-fortified North Vietnamese bunker complexes, his patrol came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. As his platoon advanced, an enemy soldier hurled a grenade from his spider hole towards Specialist Glemser and his platoon sergeant, seriously wounding the sergeant. Amid intense enemy fire, Specialist Glemser crawled towards the casualty. After reaching the wounded man, he applied a dressing to his wounds and dragged him to a safer position. Then, Specialist Glemser assaulted the enemy soldier’s spider hole, successfully eliminating the foe. Returning to the wounded sergeant, Specialist Glemser carried him 100 meters across a fire-swept rice paddy to the safety of his team’s perimeter. Specialist Four Glemser’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.