James Henry Joseph

James Henry Joseph

August 29, 1942 - July 05, 2023

Service: No services scheduled

James Henry Joseph, 80, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2023, with his eldest daughter, Jennifer, by his side.

Born in Greensburg, PA to the late Victor P. Joseph and Florence Jane Scott Joseph, he is survived by four children – Jennifer Joseph of Pittsburgh, PA, Jessica Joseph of Taos, NM, James H. Joseph (Jim) also of Pittsburgh, and James B. Joseph (JB) of Charleston, SC – and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Ava Joseph.

As a boy, Jim enjoyed building model aircraft, drawing, and experimenting with engineering kits. As a young man, he maintained these interests and enrolled at the Air Force Academy to pursue his love of flight, engineering, and adventure. This also happened to coincide with the first, and last, year freshman were approved to fly jet aircraft. Following his freshman year, Jim transferred to the University of Pittsburgh where he obtained his B.A. in Rhetoric and Public Address / Political Science. At Pitt, he was a member of the William Pitt Debating Union, President of the Pitt News, and a member of the Delta Sigma Rho – Tau Kappa Alpha honorary forensics fraternity. Jim later returned to the Air Force to briefly serve as an officer in the Reserves. On a whim, he enrolled at The University of South Carolina School of Law where he was a member of the International Law Moot Court Team.

Jim had an impactful 50 year career as an attorney, advisor, and businessman. Among his pursuits and accomplishments, he forged novel paths in securities law and gained national repute for his exploits as a trial attorney. He counseled Pittsburgh mayor Richard Caliguiri during his term in office. He founded and operated several business ventures over the years ranging from limousines to newspapers. In his later years, Jim focused on alternative dispute resolution and counseling his youngest son through law and business schools.

Jim sought and consumed knowledge with voracity throughout his life. He appreciated law, politics, art, architecture, science, business, nature, history, education, and humor. He instilled these values in his children by introducing them to Frank Lloyd Wright early in their youth, delighting them with his cartoon drawings, practicing them in chess and backgammon, promoting the pursuit of higher education and Outward Bound experiences, maintaining a critical and informed political eye, encouraging them to pursue their passions, and fostering a wry and unique sense of humor. In his later years Jim would develop an unexpected and heartwarming relationship with the family cat, Bailey.

As he leaves us, he passes down a keen interest in the Arctic and love of exploration to his eldest daughter. His youngest daughter retains his artistic hand and eye as well as his status quo breaking spirit. His eldest son enjoys his love for Buddy Holly and interest in law as a platform for business. He was devoted to his youngest son with whom he shared most of his life’s interests, passions, and pursuits.

His children have all inherited his love of skiing, compulsion to question authority, and tireless pursuit of knowledge. His keen intellect, wry sense of humor, and unique way of expressing his love will be deeply missed; family memories, experiences, and traditions will be cherished.

There are no services scheduled. Arrangements handled by Devlin Funeral Home. Donations to the Colorectal Cancer Coalition or the American Cancer Society are appreciated.