James Northrop

Jim Northrop

July 08, 1943 - March 10, 2026

Visitation: Friday, April 17th from 5-8PM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229

Service: Saturday, April 18th at 11AM, Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, 1815 Metropolitan St., Pgh, PA 15233.

James (Jim) Warren Northrop, 82, of McCandless Township, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. His wife, Linda, was by his side. He was born in Geneva, New York and grew up on the shores of Seneca Lake. He and Linda lived in the Pittsburgh area for the last 34 years, and before that in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Rochester, New York. Since 2003, they spent part of their year living in their small condo in Lake Dillon, Colorado, where they reveled in the aura of the Rocky Mountains.

Jim was gentle, humble, generous, kind, and charming. He did not have a jealous bone in his body. He never monopolized a conversation, but he was engaged. He was a great listener and always observant, with an uncanny sense of direction. He had a signature twinkle in his eye that belied his playfulness, spontaneity, and often quirky sense of humor. Jim was creative and clever – a true craftsman and a patient mentor. He made life fun.

Jim loved nature, local geography and history, the weather, woodworking, drawing, handicrafts, building, tinkering, cars, and dogs. He enjoyed photography, jazz, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, water sports, bowling, horseshoes, Formula One racing, concerts, and, later in life, traveling and ballroom dancing, the Steelers, and University of Michigan football. He loved doing handicraft projects with his sons and grandchildren.

At age 34, Jim was diagnosed with a congenital, incurable eye disease that gradually caused his blindness. Over time, he became unable to do so many of the things he loved, including driving and photography. With characteristic resilience and positivity, Jim continually created his new normal with Linda. Their relationship strengthened. They lived a rich and full life undaunted by what was no longer possible.

Jim retired in 2011, after a 44-year career in education. He was a teacher and mentor at Gates-Chili High School in Rochester, New York; at Technical Trades Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and at Pittsburgh Technical Institute (later Pittsburgh Technical College). He taught technical drawing, engineering mechanics, and architecture. He was known for his carefully planned curricula, creative student projects, architectural tours, respect for all of his students, and love of his subject area. He had an innate interest in and encouragement of students who struggled with traditional, college-bound programs. In New York, he held leadership positions in The New York State Industrial Arts Association and the New York State Educational Communications Association, and, in 1982, was selected New York State Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year. He also did freelance drafting and was self-employed as a home contractor during the summers.

Jim rode the bus to his job at Pittsburgh Technical Institute, which was then located downtown. When his convenient bus stop was eliminated, he needed to navigate busy Pine Creek Road on foot. This was a dicey proposition, especially for someone with visual limitations. Jim spotted a parallel grove of trees and underbrush. He brought garden snippers to work, and each day would bushwhack a path to get to Perry Highway and back. What started out as a necessity became his favorite project. He widened what was officially named the Vestal Trail, planted grass and trees, mowed the grass, added wildflowers, built a bridge over the creek and with the help of neighbors, our son, and friends, installed two benches and small pathways to the creek. He connected with the Rachel Carson Conservancy and the Town of McCandless for support. In 2021, an engraved plaque commemorating his contributions was installed and celebrated by family and the dear neighbors of Oakridge Community and he was honored as Citizen of the Year by McCandless Township for his efforts.

Jim received a Master of Science Degree from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh; a Bachelor of Science Degree from State University of New York College in Buffalo, New York; and an Associate Degree of Science from Erie County Community College in Buffalo, New York.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jim is survived by his sons, William (Alyssa) and Benjamin (Leah); his grandchildren Ava, Weston, Eli, Lucas, and Anna; siblings Richard, Thomas (Janet), and Betsy; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his dear grandson, Wyatt, his brothers, John and Robert, and his parents, Homer and Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to MCG Jazz, 1815 Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Donate | MCG Jazz

Friends and family will be received on Friday, April 17th, from 5 – 8 pm at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 806 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15229. A simple Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 11:00 am at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan Street Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

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