James E. Spahr

James E. Spahr, 80, of Thurmont, MD, passed away peacefully Monday, April 8, 2013 at his home. He was the husband of Gayle Spahr.


James was born February 1, 1933 in Apollo, PA, son of the late Merrill S. and Agnes Sink Spahr. He was a graduate of Apollo High School, Waynesburg College, and Shippensburg State College, where he received his Master's Degree in Education.


After serving in the US Army in the 1950s, James worked in the Frederick and Prince Georges County public school systems for 30 years, teaching bookkeeping and business education at Thurmont and Potomac Senior High Schools. For 46 years he also worked at the Catoctin Mountain Orchard and ran a home-based income tax business.


James was a long-time member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving on the council, teaching Sunday School, and singing tenor in the church choir. He also sang with the Emmitsburg Community Chorus and the Catoctones Barbershop Chorus, and served his community as a member of the Lions Club and a founding member of the Thurmont Jaycees. James enjoyed
playing cards and bowling with his grandchildren, and was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by his daughter Polly Spahr and husband Paul Dolson of Alexandria, VA; son Randall, wife Laurin, three grandchildren Molly, Randy, and Melissa Spahr of Thurmont; two brothers Thomas Spahr and wife Lynn of CO, and Albert Spahr of PA, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Merrill Jr., William, John, and Richard, and sister Barbara Felgar.


The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E. Main Street, Thurmont on Friday, April 12, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 15 North Church Street, Thurmont, MD. The Rev. Susan Beck will officiate. Interment will be private.

Contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church at the above address.

Online condolences may be expressed to staufferfuneralhome.com.