James Daniel Pierce, Jr.

James Daniel Pierce, Jr.

Jim Pierce was born April 20, 1957 in Providence, Rhode Island to James Daniel Pierce, Sr. and Anna Pierce (Petricone). He attended High School in Canada on an athletic scholarship as the school’s varsity soccer goalie and hockey goalie.  Upon graduation, he enlisted into the US Navy November 11, 1978. He then attended Electronics Technician “A” School and the US Navy Nuclear Power School where he earned his qualification to operate surface ship nuclear reactors. Jim was then assigned to the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Nuclear Propulsion Department.  
On December 29, 1979, Jim married Carol Ruth (Morgan) Pierce of McMurray, PA. He was soon after deployed to the Middle East in support of the Iranian Hostage Crisis. His distinguished service led him to become Sailor of the Cruise and Sailor of the Year onboard the 6,000 crew member aircraft carrier. He then deployed to the Mediterranean Sea to support safety and security operations during the Cold War. Upon completion of sea duty, ETN1 Pierce was then assigned to the US Navy Nuclear Power School in Orlando, FL where he instructed hundreds of sailors in the use of nuclear propulsion onboard US Navy Warships. Jim received an Honorable Discharge with several military accolades to include the US Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), US Navy Good Conduct Medal (2 awards), the Navy Expeditionary Medal, along with several unit and campaign awards.   
He then relocated with his family to Finleyville, PA where he began a successful career with the Westinghouse Corporation leading projects for private nuclear power plants in the US and Europe. Jim also worked with Siemens Corporation leading projects in the steel industry and electrical industry. Jim was also well known in the community for his career as a referee in High School and College Football.
He volunteered countless hours of his free time to the community in various organizations. He mentored young men and women through the Junior Achievement Program teaching finance and career planning. He was a merit badge counselor in the Boy Scouts of America and an officer at Post 764 Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also dedicated countless hours helping at many of the events and services at St. Joan of Arc, his local church. 
Jim is survived by his wife Carol who never left his side while he suffered from Multiple Sclerosis, and his two sons, CDR James Daniel Pierce III, USN & Mr. Russell Morgan Pierce, his daughters-in-law Mrs. Jessica Mae (Branham) Pierce & Ms. Brianna McTaggart, and his grandchildren Errietta Carol Pierce & LTJG Nathaniel James Curtis.

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, April 25, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in St. Joan of Arc Church with a Burial with Full Military Honors in The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “The Chapel Fund,” where funds will dedicated to the renovation of the chapel at the VA Hospital that took wonderful care of Jim for so many years. 
Checks to be made out to the “VA Pittsburgh Volunteer Services” and mailed to: 
VA Pittsburgh Volunteer Services
1010 Delafield Road
Aspinwall, PA 15215

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