James Pop Gears

James Henry Gears, “Pop” as he was better known, of Chestertown, Maryland died on Saturday June 10, 2006 at Chester River Hospital Center in Chestertown. He was 78. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware on January 3, 1928 the son of the late James Thomas and Margaret Daisy Morris Gears. Mr. Gears served his country with the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge. On April 3, 1949 he married Lelia Evelyn Williams. Mr. Gears worked with his father as a farmer on Broadneck area farms. He took a position in 1962 with Campbell’s Soup where he worked for nearly 30 years, retiring as Foreman in 1991. Following his retirement he worked part time with Elburn’s Florist and also with C-Town Liquors. Mr. Gears was a devoted life member of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department where he was Past President, and currently served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Auxiliary. He was also chairman of the bingo committee and served on many other committees. Mr. Gears served as Kent County Fire Police Officer. He was a member of Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion Post #228 in Rock Hall and the Chestertown Elks Lodge #2474. Mr. Gears enjoyed bowling, coaching girl’s softball, his fish pond, feeding squirrels, jousting, and watching his granddaughter’s horse shows. In addition to his wife he is survived by three daughters: Evelyn Darlene Neal, Sarah Henrietta Maloney, and Loree Kaye Morris all of Chestertown, Maryland, two brothers: Thomas Gears of Rock Hall, Maryland and Larry E. Gears of Berlin, Maryland, a sister Margaret Ann Bolton of Harrisonburg, Virginia, grandchildren: Donna Lynn Wode, Brian Keith Neal, Michael Louis Maloney, JR., Sarah Amanda Miller, Lacy Kaye Morris, and Jenna Lynn Morris, and great grandchildren: Faith Ann Speer, Brooke Alexander Wode, Dylan Chandler Wode, and Parker Henry Miller. One grandson the late James Evans (Jamie) Neal predeceased him. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 1:00 P.M. at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home 130 Speer Road Chestertown, Maryland where relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 between the hours of 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Interment will be in Chester Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Jonathan Mills. Those serving as pallbearers are Jeff Thompson, Richard White, Edwin Joyner, Ronald Turner, Phil Russum, and Michael Clarke. Honorary Pallbearers include Bruce Neal, Tracy Morris, Michael Maloney Sr., Brian Neal, Michael Maloney, Jr., members of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department, members of the Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion Post #228, and members of Chestertown Elks Lodge #2474. Contributions in his memory may be made to Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 296, Chestertown, Maryland 21620.