James Owen Gwaltney

James Owen Gwaltney, 62, of Easton, Maryland, passed away suddenly on June 14, 2026. A devoted son, brother, father, and friend, Jim filled the lives of those around him with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on January 9, 1964, Jim was the son of Robert Earl Gwaltney, Sr. and Ilene Deloris Garber. Following the untimely loss of his mother, his father married Loretta Allen, blending two families into one with eight children. Jim dedicated much of his professional life to serving others as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 1993, he became one of the founding members of Maryland Express Care, an innovative critical care transport program based at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). For more than a decade, he provided compassionate care to countless patients while building lifelong friendships with his colleagues. He later transitioned to the UMMC Communication Center, where he played a vital role in connecting community healthcare providers with specialists and resources throughout the medical center. His dedication, knowledge, and commitment helped improve patient care across the region. Those who knew Jim will always remember his gravelly laugh, unique sense of humor, and deep love for family, friends, pets, and music. He also possessed an uncanny ability to talk with anyone about anything. His quick wit and outspoken nature ensured there was never a dull moment when he was in the room. Yet beneath his trademark gruff exterior lay a man who would quite literally give you the shirt off his back. Above all else, Jim was a devoted and loving father. His greatest pride and joy was his daughter, Missy, and the bond they shared was one of the most important relationships in his life. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Ilene Deloris Garber, and his sister, Robin Bock. He is survived by his father, Robert Earl Gwaltney, Sr.; his stepmother, Loretta Gwaltney; his former wife of fourteen years, Debbie Gwaltney; his daughter, Melissa (“Missy”) Gwaltney; his sisters, Rebecca Rossback (Tom), Sharlene Gwaltney, Jean Marie Andrulonis (Steve), and Angela Ryan; his brothers, Robert Earl Gwaltney, Jr., and Mark Allen (Michele); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Kent Island Methodist Church, 2739 Cox Neck Road, Chester, Maryland. A funeral service at the church will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 11365 Ocean Gateway, Easton, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=survivorhero&lang=en

James Owen Gwaltney

January 9, 1964 - June 14, 2026