James D. Batchelor

James DeHaven Batchelor died at Bryn Mawr Hospital on August 5, 2025 after a short period of declining health.
Born in Winter Park, Florida on May 21, 1925, Jim was the son of the late Richard Meriwether Batchelor and Sue Womble. Through the Meriwether family line, Jim was a first cousin, five times removed of the famed explorer Meriwether Lewis. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Emmett Batchelor, and by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth "Betty" (née Pinska) Batchelor. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew D. Ferraro.
Growing up in Winter Park, Jim was an honor student at Winter Park High School and played clarinet in the High School Band. He began his college studies at the University of Virginia, but was interrupted by two years of service in the US Army where he studied Electrical Engineering, with a specialty in Communications. After his honorable discharge, Jim returned to UVA and finished his Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. He then continued his studies at the University of Illinois and obtained his Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Chemical Engineering.
While at the University of Illinois, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Jeanne Pinska. After a short courtship, they married on November 23, 1950.
Jim held a variety of jobs throughout his career, and spent most of his time directing Research and Development efforts involving materials and industrial processes. He was awarded eight US Patents and was the author of several research papers on various material and process topics. Jim spent many years with the US Department of Energy in Washington DC, and retired from the Department of Energy while serving as Director of the Office of Coal Liquefaction Technology.
Jim loved to sail and spent as much time as he could on local waters. He also chartered larger yachts and sailed with family and friends in Caribbean destinations.
He and Betty dedicated much time and attention to planning and leading adult Christian education programs at their church. They were also involved in a telephone Reassurance Ministry, where Jim and Betty made calls reaching out to church members in need. Jim continued faithfully in this ministry for many years after Betty's passing, and numerous members enjoyed receiving calls of encouragement and support from him.
They enjoyed international travel, as well as travel to destinations around the United States while visiting family and friends. They often opened their home to friends or family members in transition who needed a place to stay during a difficult time.
Jim was a wise and kind soul, and those who knew him spoke often of his quiet and calm demeanor.
Surviving are Jim's two daughters, Martha B. Ferraro (Thomas E.) and Sarah E. Batchelor (Kirk F. Schneider). He is also survived by three grandchildren, Christopher J. Ferraro (Janielle E. Thies), Claire E. Schneider and Paul J. Schneider; a great-grandson, James Andrew Ferraro; a nephew, Richard DeHaven "Dee" Batchelor (Deborah, née McNeave); and a niece, L. Mignon (née Batchelor) Fleishel, (V. Stephen).
A memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Covenant United Methodist Church, Springfield, PA at 11:00 am, with a calling hour at 10:00 am in Wesley Hall. The service will also be live streamed at live.covumc.com. Interment will follow in the Church Memorial Garden.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of Covenant United Methodist Church in Springfield, Delaware County (www.covumc.com), or to a charity of your choice. Condolences:jnelsonrigbyfh.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.