Ocean City Remembers Jim Piston

James “Jim” Walter Piston, 86, fought the good fight and went to join the Lord early Saturday morning on November 19, 2022 at Arden Courts in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Jim was born on July 6, 1936 in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Walter and Evelyn (Kline) Piston.

Jim graduated from Lansdale High School in 1954 and attended Muhlenberg College where he received a business degree. Ten years later he followed his dream and earned his teaching certification from the University of Pennsylvania. Jim also served active duty in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960 and in the reserves until 1964. He and his family lived in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, and he taught at Butler Elementary School in Chalfont for 30 years.

Jim was a longtime parishioner of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale, and then St. John Lutheran Church in Ocean City. He retired to Ocean City, New Jersey, across the bay from Somers Point, where he met his bride of sixty years. During retirement, Jim found many ways to volunteer his time including Habitat for Humanity, On Eagle’s Wings ministry, Ocean City Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet, the American Legion Post 524, and St John Lutheran Church.

His greatest pleasures were spending time with his grandchildren at the shore, following the Phillies, riding his bike, body surfing, kayaking, fishing, and walking the Ocean City beach and boardwalk. He greeted everyone he passed with a broad smile, a happy dance, and a friendly hello. Worshiping at St. John also brought Jim great joy, always humming along as the choir sang.

Jim was loved by many including his devoted wife, Barbara (Hamelman), his brother John and wife Maureen of Philadelphia, and his late sister Joan. Jim also shared his life with his three sons and daughter, James and his wife Teresa of Virginia Beach, Kenneth and his late wife Penny of Brentwood, CA, Ronald and his wife Anna of Boise, ID, and Eileen Ortega and her husband Jeromy of San Diego. He was also fortunate in his life to have had his nine grandchildren, Dominick, Anthony, Matthew, Ryan, Garrett, Kaitlyn, Megan, Riley, Devin, and extended family and friends.

Jim was a man of character, a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, who will be missed by all who knew him. He kept the faith. His final gift was to donate his body to RRWJ Medical School so that others could benefit from his life.

Relatives and friends may call after 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA followed by the Memorial Service at 12 Noon. A second gathering will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21 at St. John Lutheran Church, 1001 Central Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey, followed by a service at 12 Noon.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff and caregivers at Arden Courts in Cherry Hill, NJ and Vitality Hospice and Palliative Care of Burlington, NJ for their loving care of Jim during his time there.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to St. John Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences and, more importantly, memories may be shared with the family at www.huffandlakjer.com .