James Thiem

James Thiem, of Forest Hills and a lifelong Swissvale native, passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 74.

Jim was the beloved husband of Donna (Airhart) Thiem for 50 years. He is survived by his brothers, Kenneth Thiem of Washington, PA, and Robert (Heather) Thiem of Stanton Heights, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Ruth Thiem, and his faithful dog, Fritz.

A 1969 graduate of St. Anselm High School, Jim earned an Associate’s Degree from Boyce Campus of Allegheny County Community College. He began his career at Mesta Machine in Homestead and later joined the Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority, where he retired after 34 years of dedicated service. Jim had a deep love for dogs, not only his own loyal companion Fritz but also the many neighborhood dogs he greeted with treats from his front porch. He found great joy in spending time with friends and their dogs at Frick Park and enjoyed browsing flea markets and antique shops.