James M. "Jim" Christman

Age 91, of Whitehall Borough, passed away on March 25, 2026. He was born February 16, 1935, in Penn Hills Township, the son of Guy and Helen (Bierlein) Christman.

Jim was married to his wife, Carol Ann (Lynn) Christman, on October 21, 1955, in Winchester, Virginia. They were together for 67 years, until her death on May 1, 2023.

He is survived by his brother David P. Christman (Betty), of Port Orange, FL; his three children, Mark Christman (Renee), of Whitehall Borough, Melissa Allshouse (David), of Etna, and Kent Christman (Lara), of Mt. Lebanon; seven grandchildren, Rachel Christman, Leah Chavara (tom), Zachary Christman, Jessica Rumm (Cameron), Sharon Maier, Lindsey Christman, and Matthew Christman; and three great-grandchildren, Aubrey Hatheway, Mason Rumm, and William Chavara.

Jim spent his working life at Mellon Bank, where he began as a teller and retired 40 years later as a Vice President. He also served in the Army National Guard.

He was devoted to his wife and family and showed that devotion in steady, practical ways. After retiring, he drove his disabled son, Mark, to and from work every weekday for 15 years, without fail and without ever being late.

Jim had a quiet, gentle nature and a preference for simple pleasures. He enjoyed camping throughout western Pennsylvania -starting with tents and eventually moving on to RVs and cabins-with favorite spots including Cook Forest, Clear Creek, Prince Gallitzin, and Pymatuning State Parks, as well as the former Walt’s Campground in Emlenton. At home and around the campfire, he read to his children and later told stories to his grandchildren.

His interests were varied and hands-on: propagating conifers from cuttings and grafts, casting pewter figurines, keeping his VHS movie collection in careful order, and chopping kindling for campfires. He also enjoyed listening to Elvis Presley and Kris Kristofferson.

A man of consistency and quiet commitment, Jim will be remembered most for the way he showed up-day after day- for the people who depended on him.

Celebrate Jim’s life with his family at a Blessing Service on Friday at 11 AM Mount Royal Cemetery. Arrangements made by Perman Funeral Home, 923 Saxonburg Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15223 The family respectfully suggests donations be made to FSHD Society, https://www.fshdsociety.org/ or PO Box 411617, Boston, MA 02241-1617.