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BORN
1961
DIED
2025
James Closs Obituary
Jim spent his early years moving from place to place, eventually growing up in Carlisle, Pa. He later started a family in Maryland with his first wife, Tammy. After a brief time in Bay St. Louis, La., he found his true home in Hampton, Va. where he settled in 2008. He had an illustrious career of over 25 years at NASA in various leadership positions.
Jim had a lifelong love for anything that moved from rockets and kayaks to sailboats and motorcycles, but nothing captured his passion like German cars. He was very proud of his time as a race instructor at the Summit Point race track.
He was a gregarious man who approached life with curiosity, vigor, and a sense of adventure that was impossible to miss. His love for the time he spent with friends was truly infectious. He deeply cherished his community by the ocean where neighbors knew that his door was always open. His home was a gathering place, and his generosity of spirit made everyone feel welcome.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ryeken; his stepson, Josh; his stepmother, Gina; his siblings, Patrick (Alisa), Thomas (Chris), Tyler (Susannah), Leslie, Susan (Gary), and Michelle; his sons, Eric and Andy (Kelly); and his three beloved granddaughters, Olivia, Mae, and Penelope.
Jim will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and his abundant kindness. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Memories and Condolences
for James Closs
Ben Castellow (one of the Original Buckroe Gang)
December 2, 2025
I first met Jim when he moved in next door to us at Buckroe Beach. Jim was a fun-loving person who could get along with anyone. Jim was always in good spirits and could converse with anyone. Jim loved to laugh and when he laughed, well it was infectious, we all laughed. He loved racing & working on his BMW, and his escape weekends to the track. In fact, it seemed Jim was always piddling with something mechanical in his garage. Ryeken said it was sometimes tough to get you to come inside to eat...no surprise there!
Jim hosted an annual Halloween pumpkin cutting contest in his garage for many years. While we struggled using various knives to cut our pumpkins, Jim would pull out and use, yes something mechanical, one of his many powerful cutting implements...we stood no change (Lisa is lending a hand)!
Bobo is wagging his tail by your side again.
Jim, I miss you, man!
Mary Castellow
December 2, 2025
Buckroe Gang gathering for dinner. Good memories!
Shelly Moore
December 1, 2025
Thanks for your hospitality that brought the cul-de-sac together. You were the glue of the community. Your memory is and will always be blessing; and your legacy will be remembered because you modeled community investment through friendship. Rest easy, my friend!
Mary Castellow
December 1, 2025
Goodbye my friend. God speed. I see you racing across the clouds in your BMW with the audience of other Buckroe Gang members who beat you there. Miss Ginny must be dancing with joy to see you! Beth is smiling and preparing lemonade and snacks for you. Say hello to "Stevie Ray." We are still hiding his portrait amongst us! So many good memories, laughs, drinks, and gatherings over the years. Bye now. Mary
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Kathy Klussendorf
November 29, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Claudia Wright
November 26, 2025
May God bless you and your family. My late husband, Raymond and I enjoyed spending time at the beach with you
N
Allen
November 25, 2025
The games playing 2nd to Jim´s Shortstop for the Phasers in the mid 90s were tough, but he mentored me up both athletically and socially. `Always get dirty´. Swapping stories and making new ones after games. One about his dog and a pair of L´Eggs, I´ll never forget. His smile and laughter telling it; and many more.
I´m so shocked by the news of his passing.
Lenny Newman
November 25, 2025
Great memories of time spent with Jim at NASA, the softball fields and just hanging out. Many laughs while we tackled putting a new clutch in my old car! To the family, my sincere condolences! Rest well Jim!
Rico Allegrino
November 25, 2025
To the family of Jim Closs,
I was saddened to hear of his passing. I remember Jim from our days at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. We were in the Goddard Volleyball league at that time. On the same team. He may have been captain. I also got to know him thru the various house parties too during that time. He was very personable and outgoing. The description of him in the obit says it all. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Rest in peace Jim.
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