NORTHROP

JAMES "JIM" WARREN

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's family was his universe. Sharing a 54-year marriage, he was devoted to Linda, and she to him. They were fiercely independent but together in everything. He was enormously proud of his sons and dearly loved their wives and his grandchildren.

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, ballroom dancing, the Steelers, and University of Michigan football. He loved doing handicraft projects with his sons and grandchildren.

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 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, NY, and an Associate Degree of Science from Erie County Community College in Buffalo, NY.

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, and cousins; and countless friends. He was 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 17, 2026, from 5-8 p.m., at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 806 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15229. A simple celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.