James L. Pierson, age 96, husband of the late Dolores J. (Herold) Pierson, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Brandywine Living at Upper Providence. Born on November 2, 1924 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Grace V. (Clugh) and Howard W. Pierson.

Mr. Pierson was a 1942 graduate of Altoona High School and completed one semester of college prior to enlisting in the United States Army. He served during World War II with the 3rd Army Division in Europe from 1943 - 1945 and returned to service during the Korean Conflict with the 25th Infantry from 1950 - 1952. James completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy at Penn State University in 1948. He remained a lifelong supporter of all things Penn State.

He was employed in fertilizer sales from 1948 - 1950 with Swift and Company in Baltimore. Returning from the Korean Conflict, he worked for the Oliver Corporation in York, PA. James continued his career as the East coast product and sales manager of agricultural chemicals for Rohm and Haas Co in Philadelphia from 1959 - 1976; and from 1976 - 2003 worked as a realtor for Horning Farm Agency in Morgantown, PA.

James was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Phoenixville, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Lay Leader and in staff parish relations. He was also a member of the Masonic Hiram Lodge #616, Altoona, PA and was the chancellor of the Alpha Zeta Agricultural Fraternity from 1947-1948. James served on the Spring-Ford School District School Board and also served for 27 years on the Upper Providence Township Parks and Recreation Board.

In his spare time, James enjoyed farming. He cherished family time on Swans Island Maine and traveled extensively throughout the world. He loved meeting and talking with people and had many friends, some dating to Penn State days and some encountered more recently at Brandywine Living at Upper Providence. All of his friends would testify to the impact that those friendships had in their lives.

Mr. Pierson is survived by his children: Barbara J., wife of David Michael, of Pottstown, PA, Claudia A., wife of Robert Simmons, of Hanover, PA and Dr. Douglas J., husband of Debbie Pierson, of Alfred, NY; eight grandchildren: Erin Michael Connolly, James B. Michael, Joshua D. Michael, Michael L. Simmons, Jonathan R. Simmons, Sarah L. (Pierson) Ellis, Benjamin J. Pierson, and Emily M. (Pierson) Pinson; and twelve great-grandchildren: Rohan and Sayre Connolly, Isla and Coen Michael, Wyatt and Colette Simmons, Ivy, Eagan, Susanna and Calum Ellis, and Judah and Rebekah Pinson. Mr. Pierson was preceded in death by his wife of 57years, Dolores J. Pierson; one daughter: Elaine M. Pierson; and siblings: Wayne Pierson, Esther McConahy and Phyllis Lambert.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Pierson's name to the First United Methodist Church, 865 S. Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.