James B. Armstrong ’39

Jim died March 24, 2013, at the Longwood at Oakmont retirement community in Verona, Pa., a few miles from his 70-acre farm, “Lodgegrass,” in Allison Park, and from his high school, Shady Side Academy in Fox Chapel.

A lifelong resident of the Pittsburgh area, Jim was a member of the University Club, Fox Chapel Rotary, and the City Farmers Club. He was an elder and trustee of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. He served for a period as business manager of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

From 1946 to 1962, Jim worked for Armco Steel. From 1962 until his retirement, he was a credit manager for Joy Manufacturing Co.

Jim was drafted in early 1941 and served with the Army Corps of Engineers. He was at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. He also served in the Persian Gulf and was discharged as a first lieutenant in 1946.

Midway through his sophomore year with us, Jim transferred to Franklin & Marshall College. But he always considered himself a member of our class. For our 40th reunion he wrote, “We meet some good people, some not so good, but the best are from ‘39."

Jim’s wife, Betty, predeceased him. He is survived by his four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.