James Thomas McCandless, III, 43, a resident of Severn, died suddenly on January 24, 2012.


He was born on September 1, 1968 in Stuttgart, Germany and lived in Miami Florida, where he developed his love of baseball. He moved to Severna Park in 1983 and graduated from Severna Park High School and the College of William and Mary. Jim was a founder and coach for the Severna Park American Legion Baseball team, and reached the American Legion World Series.

Jim was the General Manager of the Greater Severna Park Athletic Association "Green Hornets" since 1993 and was the Severna Park High School Baseball Coach, winning three State Championships. He was a mentor to his players and helped many of them earn college scholarships.


Jim enjoyed playing golf and was a member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.


He is survived by his wife, Meredith A. McCandless (nee Ventura) of Severn; three daughters, Claudia C., Sarah E. and Georgia A. McCandless of Severn; parents, Paula and James Thomas McCandless II of Severna Park; and two brothers, Jeffrey C. McCandless of Severna Park and Robert P. McCandless of Moorestown, New Jersey.


Family and Friends may attend a Memorial Visitation on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 11:00 am at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 400 Benfield Road,Severna Park. A reception will follow the service.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a fund to benefit Jim's children. Contributions may be made to: McCandless College Fund C/O SunTrust Bank, 566 B Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com