Bio courtesy of Ann Smith

One might not have sensed it given how quiet Jim always was by nature, but he loved loved loved everything about Bridge, from initially learning to becoming confident and relatively masterful, all the teams and teamwork, strategy, the tournaments - and he made sure to take in everything of interest or historical or whimsical in each location, too.

He never drew attention to himself, he could have been a national role model for enjoying retirement, actually doing and trying all those things you didn’t have time for before, etc. He joined a choir, took a deep dive into learning about architecture, made countless fabulous trips, tours and events with Elderhostel, Road Scholar, a very active county-run 55+ group, including lectures, transport to numerous and varied cultural and music events, day- and week-long trips up and down the East Coast, started volunteering and became docent at the National Building Museum, well, and so much more, not to mention parties, outings and both casual and formal times with numerous friends. Several trips to various European destinations. And local travel too, for example to Pennsylvania to visit family, and never missed his mother’s birthday parties, including her final one at 101!

Jim passed May 28,2025 after a brief physical decline, and very peacefully, just went to sleep that evening and didn’t wake back up. We should all be so lucky, and definitely so lucky as to have had a full, rewarding, fulfilling life of learning, travel, friends, favorite groups and activities - like bridge! - and the satisfaction of having had a fine career as well.

Jim was 84. He was born in Youngwood PA, graduated from Penn State in Political Science——and definitely maintained that interest the rest of his life. After active duty in the Navy 1959-1963 he was hired as a civilian employee of NavSea, which brought him to Arlington, Virginia, where he resided ever since. He moved to Dept of Interior to finish his Fed career as a resources manager, yet another job - and office and location - he loved and was proud of.

Jim will be missed, but what a fine, full and fun life he had while he was here!