James Matthew Slay

James Matthew Slay Jr. died peacefully in his home in Westminster, MD, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. He was 82.

Jim was known as a true gentleman, thoughtful of others, warm and generous-hearted, and devoted to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Fallis Slay; a son, James Matthew Slay III; a daughter, Mary Catherine Slay; a granddaughter, Pryor MacKenna Claudias; a sister, Elise Slay Finkner (Steve); two brothers, Charles Thompson Slay (Araceli); and Joseph Ronald Slay (Martha).

Jim was the son of James Matthew Slay and Catherine Thompson Slay. Born in Quantico, VA on May 27, 1943, he grew up in Durham, NC, and Richmond, VA, graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond. He was a graduate of Washington and Lee University (1965), where he was president of Delta Tau Delta Phi chapter. Jim graduated from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1971. He practiced law in Maryland for 25 years, serving in state government as Assistant State's Attorney- Anne Arundel County, and Assistant Secretary of State of Maryland, and as County Attorney for Talbott County. He was a partner with the law firm of Henry, Hairston and Price in Easton, MD. Before and following his law career, Jim taught at schools in Maryland and Virginia, including Landon School in Bethesda, MD; Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA; and Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA. As teacher, he was able to indulge his love of history and storytelling, or as he might describe it, "prevaricating." He was a relentless volunteer. An Eagle Scout, he worked with scouting troops in Virginia and Maryland nearly all his life. He served on the Vestry of Christ Church Saint Michaels in St. Michael's, MD. Jim was also a member of the Society of the Cincinnati of Maryland.

The family asks that those wishing to do so may make a memorial contribution to ' Life Hospice' of Carroll County, MD.