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James A. Kehl

February 16, 1922 - August 20, 2022

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Obituary For James A. Kehl

Age 100, on Saturday, August 20, 2022 of Sewickley, formerly of Whitehall. James A. Kehl was educated in the schools of Pennsylvania, concluding with a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He served as a Navy officer during World War II (1944-1946) and in 1997 published a human interest account of his Navy experiences entitled: When Civilians Manned the Ships. Following the war, Jim was appointed to the staff of the History Department at the University of Pittsburgh and remained a member for 46 years (1946-1992) after which he was named Professor Emeritus. For 11 of those professional years, he accepted administrative assignments culminating in the deanship of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1969, he was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association. He also was a charter member of the Brentwood High School Hall of Fame in 2001. Jim’s field of expertise was the history of American Political Parties. During his tenure, he authored two books: Ill Feeling in the Era of Good Feeling and Boss Rule in the Gilded Age. He also published numerous scholarly articles plus a variety of features for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. During retirement, he volunteered as a Meals-on-Wheels driver for 18 years in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and wrote two books: The University Remembered and The Cross, The Eagle, and The Rising Sun. For most of his life he was a resident of Whitehall and most recently resided with his wife Barbara in the Masonic Village at Sewickley. He was the son of the late John Paul and Anna McGibbeny Kehl and is survived by his wife Barbara, son Kurt, daughter-in-law Lorraine Meteny, grandson Shane (Teresa) and granddaughter Alexa. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood 15227 on Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. If desired, family suggests contributions to The Salvation Army, Western Pennsylvania Division, PO Box 742, Carnegie, PA 15106.

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  • August 25, 2022

    Julie McCarthy

    The Brentwood High School Hall of Fame Trustees were honored to know and work alongside Jim for many years. He was one of the foundation forces in that alumni organization. In 2001, he was welcomed as an inaugural HOF member. Later he volunteered as a Trustee, then as Chairman of the Board, and upon his retirement , was designated a Trustee Emeritus. Over the years, Jim stayed in touch with fellow Trustees. He was a wise, witty and engaging friend. He will be fondly remembered, and missed. Julie McCarthy, HOF Chair

  • August 25, 2022

    J. Mark Wittkofski

    We will always remember your effort to track us down in order to develop your book: The Cross, The Eagle, and The Rising Sun which contained the story of why my dad, the Rev. Canon Joseph N. Wittkofski chose to leave the Roman Catholic priesthood to become an Episcopalian minister in Charleroi. Quite a story of politics with the Catholic Church prior to America getting into World War II. Your accomplishments and scholarly research should bring comfort to your family. If only our minds would remain as sharp as yours did in retirement. Thank you Jim for reaching out to the Wittkofski family. And Thank you to Barbara and Kurt for supporting Jim's efforts. I know he had some difficult times attempting to get records from the FBI as well as dealing with publishers. But his work will live on forever! J. Mark Wittkofski, Richmond, VA

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