James Walter Maloy
James Walter Maloy passed away peacefully, in his home, Tuesday, April 26, 2022, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born February 15, 1944, in Washington, a son of the late J. Claude and Minnie Iams Maloy. He lived all his life on the South Franklin Township farm he inherited as a child from his grandfather, Isaac Weller Iams.
Jim was a 1962 graduate of McGuffey High School. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Washington & Jefferson College in 1966 and a Master’s degree in Physics Education from West Virginia University.
After briefly serving as a chemistry instructor at W&J in the ’70s, he spent over 10 years working in the chemical and tech industries before returning to his primary love, teaching. He began instructing physics at Bethlehem-Center High School in 1989, where he worked until his retirement in 2012.
Jim was renowned for his love of teaching and the dedication he put into preparing his students for their future careers, encouraging all of them to find physics as “phun” as he did. He put countless hours into student activities both inside and outside the classroom, including coaching the high school girls’ soccer team. Most notable was his long-standing commitment to student participation in the PA Junior Academy of Science (PJAS).
He received several teaching awards over his career, but he gained the most satisfaction from receiving updates from many of his former students, often many years after they graduated. He shared in their successes and struggles, and was committed to supporting them in any way he could.
Outside of his teaching career, Jim was regional director and later state director of the PA Junior Academy of Science and a longstanding member of both the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh. Locally, he was a member of the Chartiers Creek Watershed Association. Jim spent much of his life outdoors, usually on the seat of a tractor.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Weller Maloy.
He is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Sharon; son, James Ronald Maloy; and daughter, Amy Beth Maloy. Also surviving are nieces, Christy Freeman and Judy Waltos of Johnstown, and Jane Albin of Lewisburg.
The family extends a special thank you to Amedisys Hospice, whose compassionate assistance enabled Jim to spend his final year of life at home.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 29, in Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington. A private interment will be held at Washington Cemetery.
A guest book may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations, in Jim’s name, be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org, or to a charity or organization of one’s choice.