Chief Master Sergeant James F. McNabb, USAF Retired, of Allentown and formerly of Mt. Laurel, NJ, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at St. Luke’s Bethlehem Hospice. He was 71.

Jim was the eldest son of the late James F. and Anne Ward McNabb and was born in Bryn Mawr. He grew up there surrounded by a large, tight knit Irish Catholic family, including his grandmother and his aunts Eleanor and Marie with whom he was very close. He remained in touch with that heritage throughout his life.

Jim graduated from Delhi University and met his future wife Nancy Terwilliger before entering the Air Force during the Vietnam War. After he returned from overseas, he and Nancy were married, and for a time were posted in Omaha NE before returning to his hometown. He continued his education at LaSalle University, earning an MBA while working full time and starting a family. He was proud to serve his country again during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and earned the rank of Command Chief Master Sergeant. His last assignment prior to retirement was at Willow Grove Naval Air and Air Reserve Station where he was integral to the formation of the Willow Grove Air Force Honor Guard. 

Jimwas a dedicated employee who worked in the aerospace industry for many years, including over 20 at Lockheed Martin, however he was much more than his career. He enjoyed working with his hands and was a talented artist who found creative expression in many activities. He particularly liked working on his home and in the garden.  He was an extremely loving and family-oriented man who doted on his children and wife. Taking them all for a vacation at the beach was one of his great joys. Jim and Nancy were so excited for the arrival of their first grandson Alister, and even as his health declined Jim always had a smile for his grandson.  Jimwill be greatly missed, but eternally loved by everyone who had the pleasure to be in his life.  

In addition to his devoted wife of 46 years, Nancy, Jim is survived by his loving children: Heather J. McNabb and her husband Martin Hibdon of San Francisco, CA, Michael J. McNabb and his wife Tammy of NY, NY, and his grandson Alister McNabb.  He is also survived by his brothers: Paul (Mary), Robert, and Thomas McNabb (Cathy), his sisters: Maria Morgan (Thomas), Lisa Kelly (Joseph), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewings on Tuesday Evening, September 18, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA 18940 on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 from 11:30AM am until his Funeral Mass 12:30PM.  Interment will follow with Military Honors at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102 Philadelphia, PA 19106.