James Eugene Myers

James Eugene Myers, affectionately known as “Ditty,” “Jim,” or “Jimmy,” passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, in Queenstown, MD, after a courageous 15-year battle with Parkinson’s. Born in Washington, D.C., on July 29, 1935, Jim lived a remarkable 90 years defined by devotion to family, hard work, unwavering generosity, and a joyous embrace of life. Born to James Hite Myers and Margaret Antoinette Holland, he was the oldest of five children: Ronald Myers, Margaret “Judy” Daniell, Cindy Peters, and Larry Myers. At a young age, Jim would hand out dahlias from his father’s dedicated one-acre dahlia garden at the end of their lane on University Boulevard. He became an avid hunter, loved gardening, and could still clear a pool table well into his eighties. He was also part of a roller skating race team and a roller skating dance team with his first wife and high school sweetheart, Margie. A graduate of Montgomery Blair High School, Class of 1953, Jim launched his career as a journeyman sheet metal apprentice, quickly rising through the ranks at Warren-Eret-Linck Co. His leadership and expertise ushered in decades of success. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Blankenship, and sons James and Patrick. He and his youngest son, Richard, found themselves alone, so in 1971 he attended a Parents Without Partners dance, where he met his beloved wife Ellen, who had two young daughters, Susan and Elizabeth. They married in 1974 and, together in 1978, founded The James Myers Company. Under his leadership, the company contributed to iconic projects such as the Library of Congress, the Pentagon restoration after 9/11, the Executive Office Building, the Executive Residence, the Supreme Court, and more recently, the Kennedy Center, Jefferson Memorial, Wolf Trap, and the D.C. Courthouse. Jim’s commitment extended beyond the jobsite. He was once an active member of the Kent Island Rotary, a member of the Kent Island Yacht Club, Prospect Bay Country Club, and served on the board of the NRCA. He took immense pride in his hunting property, which he expanded over the years, and in renovating an old farmhouse on it where he, his son, nephews, family, and friends would hunt every year. Everyone always had a good time at the pig roasts in the fall. Those who knew Jim will remember his willingness to help others and his deep love for family. His sister Judy fondly recalls his constant readiness to help anyone in need. He loved hosting legendary reunions at his cherished Wye River property, complete with morning crabbing and afternoon crab feasts. He was an avid outdoorsman, golfer, gardener, and lifelong Redskins fan. He was especially proud of the thousands of daffodils blooming along the shoreline each spring. He cherished good times at the Grasonville VFW, Little Legion, and Narrows Restaurant—never missing a wing night. Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Ellen Myers, and children Richard Myers, Susan Pendleton, and Elizabeth Brinster; his sister Judy Daniell and brother Larry Myers. He was a loving grandfather to Keefer Schoon, Madeline Myers, Isabelle Brinster, and James Brinster. He is predeceased by his first wife, Marjorie Blankenship; sons James and Patrick Myers; brother Ronald Myers; and sister Cindy Peters. Visitation will be held on August 13, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newman Funeral Home, 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, MD. A funeral service will take place Thursday, August 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Kent Island Methodist Church, 2739 Cox Neck Road, Chester, MD 21619, followed by a reception at the Grasonville VFW from 12–2 p.m., 203 VFW Ave, Grasonville, MD 21638. There will be a private burial for immediate family. “In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of James Myers to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Parkinson.org

James Eugene Myers

July 29, 1935 - August 5, 2025