James M. Shoaf

Washington School District teacher, administrator James M. Shoaf Jr., 77, of Washington, died at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2003, in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born January 12, 1926, in Clairton, a son of James Murray Sr. and Mary Crumrine Shoaf. Mr. Shoaf was a schoolteacher, principal and federal programs coordinator in Washington School District for 32 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Washington, where he served as a former Sunday school teacher and superintendent, a member of the board of trustees and on various committees. Mr. Shoaf was involved in the Meals on Wheels program in Washington, served on the board of Interfaith Hospitality Network, served as chairman of the Civil Service Commission, and for 25 years was involved with Washington Boys Baseball, serving as umpire and coordinator. He coached Washington High School varsity girls baseball and junior varsity boys basketball teams for several years. During World War II, Mr. Shoaf served in the U.S. Army. He was a longtime member of National Education Association and Pennsylvania Education Association and a member of Masonic Lodge of Crafton, Lodge 653, F&AM. On April 4, 1953, he married Shirley M. Simpson, who survives. Also surviving are a son, James Murray (Rusty) Shoaf III of Morgantown, W.Va.; two daughters, Betsy Shoaf Yetiskul of Bethel Park and Lori Shoaf Santo of Palatine, Ill.; and eight grandchildren, Kevin and Rachel Shoaf, Emily, Elisabeth and James Yetiskul and Jack, Tyler and Madison Santo. SHOAF - Friends of James M. Shoaf Jr. of Washington, who died Tuesday, June 17, 2003, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, in First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Duane Thompson officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, 29 North College Street, Washington, PA 15301. Washington Masonic Lodge 164, F&AM, will have services at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.