James W. Preston

James W. Preston obituary, Millersville, MD

James W. Preston

James Preston Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hardesty Funeral Home - Gambrills on Jul. 23, 2025.

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James William (Jim) Preston, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 22, 2025. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Jim was born on November 26, 1939 in Baltimore, the youngest child of the late Eugene George Preston Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Fissel.

He is predeceased by his brothers Lewis and Eugene. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Walter Preston, his two sons, James and Martin, his daughter-in-law Melissa, and his two granddaughters, Amanda and Julia.

He served in the Air Force and graduated from University of Maryland College Park and Loyola University Maryland. A lifelong educator in the Anne Arundel Public School System, Jim taught math before becoming a principal at four schools until retiring at Millersville Elementary where his career began.

He was an avid bowler, gardener, sports fan, and loved to travel. Jim was active in Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church, the Boy Scouts of America, the Anne Arundel Retired School Personnel Association, and Severn Cross Roads Foundation, serving in many leadership roles. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church and the American Kidney Fund.

https://www.baldwinmemorial.org/donate/

https://www.kidneyfund.org/ways-give

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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MK

July 28, 2025

Mr. Preston was one of the most decent and caring people I have ever met. He took the time to listen, he showed patience and kindness to one and all, and he guided his students and teachers alike. He will be sorely missed. I can still hear the sound of his laughter in my head. Mr. Preston, you were one of one and I was lucky enough to have crossed paths with you. Rest in peace, good and gentle servant. Amen. MK

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Hardesty Funeral Home - Gambrills

851 Annapolis Rd, Gambrills, MD 21054

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