James T. Thielens, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Villanova, PA on October 23, 2009.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on July 23, 1920 to Carl Emile and Lucy May Thielens, he was preceded in death by his sole sister Mildred Dimond.

Jim graduated from West Philadelphia High School in June of 1938 and served honorably in the Pacific Theater in the US Navy from 1942-1946, subsequently enrolling at The University of Pennsylvania and graduating in 1951.

He married the former Marie Louise McDevitt on September 20, 1952. They raised three loving children and lived their entire life in their Villanova home built by his father-in-law Joseph A. McDevitt.

Jim was a current member of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish and Martin's Dam, and a past member of the University Barge Club and Rosemont Rollicks. He retired in 2000 after a successful career as an agent for Lincoln Financial Life Insurance Company.

An avid reader, gardener and tennis player, he loved the annual summer family vacation to Hilton Head, SC. He was a long serving volunteer at The Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years Dev, son Ted and wife Karen of Canton, OH., daughter Lori Horning and husband Paul of Devon and daughter Amy Buck and husband John of Berwyn. He was loved by 7 grandchildren -- Jamie and Allie Thielens, Katie, CJ and Molly Horning and Lanie and Caroline Buck.

A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday November 7, 9:30 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church (Univ. Campus), Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA. Relatives and friends may visit with the family at the Church from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation, 130 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.