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On Friday, January 14, 2022, Jim Wolf, the world’s tallest hobbit, has set off on his greatest adventure. Jim was quiet, gentle, and unassuming, with the large feet and curly hair of Tolkien’s fine Shire-folk. Jim has turned his weary feet towards the lighted inn for his well-deserved rest. James Richard Wolf was born in Alliance and raised in Medina, Ohio. He graduated from Medina High School in 1965, earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Union College (Barbourville, KY) in ’69, Master’s from Duquesne University (‘76), and Doctorate from University of Pittsburgh (‘97). Jim spent fifty years as an educator, thirty-one of those years were as an elementary school teacher and principal for Bethel Park School District. Perhaps most memorable to his students were his annual reading of The Hobbit, playing guitar and singing folk songs, and his vast array of colorful neckties. Over the years, he has impacted countless students, and one child in particular, was adopted into his family. After retiring from Bethel Park in 2004, Jim quickly found that he could not stop teaching and became a long-term substitute principal for Woodland Hills School District before finally actually retiring in 2019. Little did he know that retirement is essentially a permanent “honey-do” list. Jim was the patriarch of a large, loving family. He is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Linda (Quallich), their six children Karen Hernandez (David Hawk), Rachel (Matthew) Fuchs, Sara-Summer (Joe) Oliphant, Joshua (Erin), Noah (Kate), and Micah (Laina) Wolf. Jim is also survived by his eighteen grandchildren (Cory, Shane, Seth Hernandez; Maya, Isaiah, Gabriel, Clara Fuchs; Presley, Elliot, Nolan, Beckett, Keil Oliphant; Jamie, Leia (Joshua); Grayland, Gemma, Sloan (Micah); Hardy (Noah). He also leaves behind a brother Bill (Barb), three sisters Kris (Howie Wolff), Libby (Wes Wilson), Jan (John Austin), a sister-in-law Roxanne, and sixteen nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents John and Eleanor, his in-laws Bob and Rose, his brother-in-law Mike, and his daughter-in-law Deanna. Jim was a consummate educator, even away from work but couldn’t find a Boggle word to save his life. He passed on to his children many of his passions including terribly great corny jokes, music with bad singing voices to match, and perhaps most of all running. Running the Great Race with Dad was a rite of passage. In retirement he pursued other passions. Jim loved to travel with his wife, and while he found the Outer Banks a small piece of paradise, their trip to Egypt in 2007 was his favorite. It seemed no matter where he traveled, some former student would excitedly come up to him and eagerly ask, “Hey, Mr. Wolf, do remember me from . . .!” and without fail, he would. His love for music led him to pursue a life-long dream starting a folk-rock band, The Mingo Creek Band, in which he played rhythm guitar. He believed in the power of kindness, setting an unmatched example for those luckiest enough to know him. Jim left this world a kinder, gentler place, and that may be all he really wanted from life. “Peace begins with a smile.” Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, PA 15227 on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, January 19 at 10:30 at St. Paul of the Cross Parish, St. Anne Church, 400 Hoodridge Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Please meet at the church. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110, www.pittsburghfoodbank.org. January 21, 2022 I had the great privilege of knowing Dr. Wolf at both the junior and senior high schools in the Woodland Hills School District. He was always a calming voice even in the worst of circumstances. We spent a great deal of time talking and I really came to admire his quiet strength and calm demeanor. I especially enjoyed being one of the few who knew the meaning behind all of his Beatles ties. He was the epitome of what a human should strive to be. I am a better person for getting to know and spend some time with him. He will be missed, but he will always have a special place just for him in my heart. January 18, 2022 I am so saddened by the loss of Jim. I had heard just recently that he was very ill. We were good buddies in High School and the stories I could tell. However, at this time I will not. All I can say is that when I think of Jim a smile comes over my face. From a time, in a very small town called Medina. Now it just seems like a very good book I was privileged to live and read a long time ago. RIP my MHS Brother. Dave Aufmuth January 18, 2022 the world has lost a wonderful human being. I had the pleasure ot teaching band to 4th and 5th grade students in his buildings for 30 years. His kind personality was evident in the positive attitude of his faculty and students. One very happy occasion was the annual Holiday concert we had each year. He was a cornet player in his teens. He at his 6 foot height would sit in and play with the band at the concerts. He was billed as " the worlds tallest fourth grade trumpet player"!. We all enjoyed the educational journey by knowing Jim Wolf. My deepest sympathy to his family. Al Morrison January 18, 2022 Dr Wolf, was a wonderful person. I work at Woodland Hills High School, and he made everyone he interacted with feel like a celebrity. His ties were always a great conversation piece, and his smile would brighten you day. I always appreciated his positive outlook on life. My deepest condolences to his family and friends, he will be truly missed January 18, 2022 What a terrible loss. Mr. Wolf was simply the best Great Race participant there ever was. All the best to Noah and family January 17, 2022 So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was my Daughters principal and I served on the PTA board. He always had a smile and positive attitude and was much loved and respected by his school family. Lynn Ocilka January 17, 2022 Linda &Family, we are so very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. We have so many wonderful memories of playing cards and games with you. Fred will never forget the "Ice Bowl" where he and Jim sat through the entire game in garbage bags!! We both have so many wonderful memories with you and your family. May he rest in peace. Love, Jeannie & Fred Vanore We would love to hear from you. January 17, 2022 In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. May our Lord comfort you and your loved ones. January 17, 2022 Linda and family, We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We will miss his smile at family gatherings. Sending prayers for all of you. Tim and Peggy Seemiller January 16, 2022 So very sorry to the Wolf family. I had the privilege to work with Dr. Wolf at Shaffer Elementary School (Woodland Hills School District). He was such a kind, gentle soul and truly loved children. He will be greatly missed on this Earth. Fly high with the angels, Dr. Wolf. January 16, 2022 I was blessed to be hired by Jim as a second grade teacher at Neil Armstrong. Jim was a wonderful principal who wanted the best for his students and staff. He really did make the world a better and kinder place. Thank you,Jim, for always seeing the best in people. Love, Betty Francis January 16, 2022 Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We shared lots of running stories of races and also of our teaching Jim always had time to talk! RIP January 16, 2022 So sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to your family January 16, 2022 I am so sorry for your loss.James "Jim" Richard Wolf
March 11, 1947 - January 14, 2022
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Obituary For James "Jim" Richard Wolf
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