James Petrie

We are sad to announce that on January 12^th, 2024, James R. Petrie of Cranberry Township, PA passed away at age 74.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Edward Petrie and Katherine Petrie; and his sister Susan Petrie. He is survived by: his wife, Rebeca Petrie; his daughters, Katherine “Katie” Petrie (Adam) and Jennifer “Jenny” Petrie-Wyman (Patrick); his brothers, Edward Petrie and Rick Petrie; his sons in law, Adam Meyer and Patrick “Pat” Wyman; and his grandson, Barrett James Wyman.

Jim was born in and lived most of his life in Pittsburgh, PA (in the South Hills and Cranberry Township). He lived in Dallas, TX for a short period and Northern Virginia, where both of his daughters were born and attended primary school before moving to Pittsburgh in 1994. He graduated from Brentwood High School in 1967 and attended the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. He met the love of his life, Becky, at the University of Pittsburgh in 1972, and they were married in June of 1975. Jim spent 36 years in a career as a public servant working for the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration exceling to a top position of District Manager of the Northeastern metal & non-metal district. Jim was well known for his thoughtfulness, patience, ethics, and his meticulous attention to detail leading to his success as well as his contributions to worker safety in the mining industry, especially in the areas of hearing safety and air quality improvement. He retired from MSHA in 2010. He was a loving father to his girls, Katie and Jenny, and loved their husbands, Adam and Pat. He was thrilled to become a grandfather to his grandson, Barrett James in 2022.

Jim spent much of his retirement at the Millvale Sportsman Club in Wexford, where he enjoyed perfecting his shot with numerous specialty target guns and fishing at their lake. He was also well known for his commitment to lend a hand as a volunteer steward for his beloved club. His other lifelong passion was collecting numerous gems, minerals, and fossils which decorate every corner of the family home including a beloved specimen of petrified wood that he kept from a childhood trip through Arizona. Jim enjoyed sharing these hobbies and others with his wife, daughters, and sons-in-law. Jim is remembered for his curiosity, sense of humor, selflessness, and kindness.

A memorial to celebrate Jim will be held Saturday, April 13th from 2:00 to 5:00 at the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, 5601 Freshcorn Rd. Cranberry Township, PA. For those interested in attending his memorial please email JimPetrieMemorial@gmail.com. The family respectfully suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/).