James J. "Jim" Thiem

Of Forest Hills, a Swissvale native, age 74, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Jim was the beloved husband of Donna (Airhart) Thiem for 50 years.

He was the brother of Kenneth Thiem of Washington, PA and Robert (Heather) Thiem of Stanton Heights.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Ruth Thiem and his faithful companion and pet dog, Fritz.

He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was a 1969 graduate of St. Anselm High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Boyce Campus of Allegheny County Community College. He began his work career at Mesta Machine in Homestead and, after the plant’s closure, procured a position with the Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority. He retired from WPJWA with 34 years of service.

Jim loved dogs! Not only his own faithful companion, Fritz, but other folks’ dogs too. He was fond of feeding treats to dogs as they passed by his home. He also found joy in spending time with his friends and their dogs at Frick Park. Jim was known to  enjoy the pastime of visiting flea markets and antique shops.

All are welcome on Sunday from 1-4pm and 5-7pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, (412) 824-8800.

Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Maurice Church of St. Joseph the Worker Parish on Monday at 10 a.m.

Jim will be laid to rest in Homewood Cemetery.