James Owen Statler, 91, died March 17, 2026, in New Oxford, PA. He was the husband of the late Vesta (Wilson) Statler with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. He resided at Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community for the past 13 years. Born February 27, 1935, in Franklin County, PA, he was the son the late Cleo Statler and Ruth (Niswander) Statler Wenger Gayman. He had one brother, the late Kenneth N. Statler. He is survived by two daughters, Julie Ilyes and husband John of York, PA and Laura Merena and husband Stephen of Jericho, VT, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He also had four stepsiblings, the late Donald Gayman and Lee Gayman and surviving him, Marlin Gayman and Thelma McLucas of Franklin County, PA.

Owen was raised in State Line, PA. He was a graduate of Greencastle High School, Greencastle, PA and the Shippensburg State Teachers College. He served in the United States Army for two years in Germany. In 1960, he moved his family to Dallastown, PA where he was employed by the Dallastown Area School District. He taught business education for five years and was the district business manager for 25 years. He retired from the school district in 1990 after 30 years of service. After retirement, he worked for the Heffner Funeral Home in Red Lion and York PA, proctored testing for CDL drivers receiving their license and served as a tour guide at the Harley Davidson Plant in York, PA. Owen was a member of the Faith Community at Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community, but previously attended York First Church of the Brethren for many years. Owen enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. He and Vesta did various bus trips and Road Scholar Programs. Owen was a humble and kind man with steadfast integrity. His love for his family was evident through his unwavering support and dedication.

A viewing will be held Sunday, March 22 from 3-5 PM at Feiser Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc, 302 Lincoln Highway W, New Oxford, PA. There will be a graveside service and burial at the Upton Brethren Church Cemetery on Monday, March 23, at 11AM. A Celebration of Life Service, officiated by John Ilyes, will be held Monday, March 23 at 3 PM in the Nicarry Meeting House at the Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community, 2990 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford, PA. Light refreshments will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Good Samaritan Fund (which benefits residents of the Cross Keys Village who have outlived their financial resources) of the Brethren Home Community, 2990 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford PA.