James William Stern Jr., 77, of Severna Park, died of heart failure July 2 at his home.

Born July 19, 1926, in Baltimore, Mr. Stern lived in Severna Park for 45 years. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1946 during World War II.

He retired in 1984 as a manager from the former Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co. after many years of service.

He was a former member of the Severna Park Elks. He enjoyed traveling with his wife of 54 years, Ruth Stern, in their recreational vehicle, gardening and hiking.

He also was a handyman around the house.

In addition to his wife, surviving are one son, James W. Stern III of Severna Park; one daughter, Kimberly J. Stern of Brooklyn; and two sisters, Kathy Carlson of California and Jane Ruff of Catonsville.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway. Services will be at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Mid-Atlantic Division, Inc. 1041 Route 3 North, Building A, Gambrills MD 21054; or the American Heart Association, Memorial Processing Center, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.

As Published in the Capital Newspaper in Annapolis Maryland on July 4th 2004.