James Linwood Rich Jr.

James Linwood Rich, Jr., of Chestertown, MD, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016. He was 52. James was born on December 27, 1964, in Easton, MD, the son of the late James L. Rich, Sr. and Anna Johnson. He was raised by the late Ervin and Mildred Stanford in Sadesville, near Sudlersville, MD. James attended Queen Anne’s County schools, where he played baseball, football, and wrestled. He also played little league baseball for the Sudlersville Wildcats. He graduated from Queen Anne’s County High School in 1983. He then went on to attend Lincoln Tech Institute to study auto mechanics. James played semi-pro baseball in Delaware. His previous employment included Washington College and Bramble’s before working as a custodian in the Kent County Public Schools system, beginning in August 1989. He worked very hard in the school system over the years and became the Head Custodian at Kent County High School. “Jim” as he was called by many, enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting baseball cards, and purchasing antiques. He also played men’s softball and flag football in local leagues. His love for baseball and football stretched throughout his life and into the lives of his sons, in which he coached selflessly to better their game and become their strongest fan. Jim was a very helpful friend and family member to many in his community who needed someone to fix things, run errands, or complete chores. He is survived by wife Elizabeth J. Rich of Chestertown, MD; three sons, James L. Rich, III “Jimmy” of Chestertown, Tim Leonard of Baltimore, and Scott Rush of Chestertown. He is also survived by his sister, Joann Miller of Chestertown; parents, Robert and Jeralin Rochester, Barclay, MD; brothers, Kevin Rochester of St. Petersburg, FL, Keenan Rochester, (Hilda) of Modesto, CA, Gregory Rochester of Washington, DC; sisters, Valerie Rochester of Barclay, MD, Djuna Smith (John) of California, MD, Shannon Creek of Tucson, AZ, Angela Rochester of Glendale, AZ, Lekisha Montgomery of Charleston, SC, Dawntrina Turner of Baltimore, MD, Tonya Pyles of Baltimore, MD; brothers, Russell Jacobs of Chester, PA; Robert Jacobs of Chester, PA; a special cousin, Wardell Harding; three aunts, Grace Johnson of PA, Naomi (Leon) Haynes of Grasonville, Hattie Johnson of Easton, MD; six uncles, James Johnson of Centreville, MD, Charles Johnson of DE, Bruce Johnson of DE, William Johnson of Greensboro, MD, Larry Johnson of Denton, MD, Tony (Marian) Johnson of Trappe, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017, at 12:00 pm at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newman Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD, where relatives and friends may call two hours prior (10am-12pm). Interment will be in Broadneck Cemetery, Chestertown, MD, following the service.

James Linwood Rich Jr.

December 27, 1964 - December 29, 2016