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James Theodore Amos

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | December 07, 2021

James Theodore Amos was born a twin in Washington, PA on April 27, 1947, and died in North Huntingdon, PA on December 5, 2021 at age 74 due to congestive heart failure. His parents Robert N. Amos and Edith M. Amos (Roberts) along with siblings Robert D. Amos, John P. Amos, and Keith A. Amos sadly all predeceased him.

He is survived by his beloved children Wendi A. Amos and Pamela J. Gaal (P.J. Amos), P.J.'s husband Gregory S. Gaal, grandchildren Rachel A. Figard, Jessica M. Figard, Emma M. Gaal, Paige A. Gaal, nephews and a niece. Jimmy lived life fully out loud, often punctuated by expletives but more often with gratitude and kisses. He held nothing back as he juiced each moment to his own delight, expecting nothing more than honesty from those around him.

Jimmy grew up in Greenock, PA where he enjoyed spending time with friends, collecting 45's (vinyl records), biking his paper route, camping with Boy Scouts, and playing first chair baritone horn in the Elizabeth Forward High School marching, concert and jazz bands (representing his high school at regional performance). Jimmy studied psychology at California University of PA for a few years, then worked several sales jobs (pitching everything from vacuum cleaners and vitamins to insurance) before proudly settling into a career as a steelworker (pourer, then bricklayer) at USX-Edgar Thomson Works. He was a voracious reader, green-thumbed gardener, and held an endless appetite for jazz music, the arts, BBQ ribs, and Steelers football.

Despite many ups and downs in life, he was deep and sentimental, a charming man who won the hearts of many. He wrote the name of each gal on the 45 record of the first song they danced together. He spent time contemplating matters of faith and the world beyond, kept current and knowledgeable on a wide range of topics, and relished sappy holiday cards. He married twice and divorced twice, often reflecting appreciatively with love for the time shared with the "smart and beautiful" mother of his children. When facing mortality, his first request to family was to throw a party at his bedside for the hospital staff, Hawaiian shirt and cake at hand to set the mood. Among other things, he will be remembered affectionately as a favorite for his spontaneous antics, quick wit, affable laugh, impish grin, brilliant mind, compelling conversation, generous spirit, and the unconditional love and optimism with which he inspired his children. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. A service celebrating his life will take place for family and friends at a later date (RSVP required due to Covid precautions). In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to be sent to Bethlehem Haven (homeless org. where he volunteered) or Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published December 07, 2021.

Other deaths:
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