James Adams Close, “Jim”, (or “Sunshine”) lifelong Harford County resident died on August 13th, 2020 at the age of 71. He was born in Baltimore on January 5th, 1949 and grew up in Bel Air, Maryland with his seven siblings and his parents; the Honorable Albert P. Close and Lucile Robinson Close. He was the first graduate of the first graduating class of Harford Day School and graduated from Bel Air High School, class of 1967. Following graduation he joined the Merchant Marines, traveling to India, Germany, Belgium and South Africa among other countries while working as a steward’s assistant.
He attended Temple University in Philadelphia and the University of Baltimore Law School, passing the bar in 1978. He began working in private practice in Bel Air and became a Public Defender for Cecil County in 2005. He retired in 2018, but continued to practice privately in Cecil County.
He loved traveling with his family, particularly to Southern France, but also to Ireland, Italy, Canada, and to any Screaming Orphans concert within driving distance. He coached his daughter Hannah’s Havre de Grace Little League softball teams and was a Member of the Archaeological Society of the Northern Chesapeake. He loved cooking, camping, and working in his garden. He spoke French and Italian and loved to watch Temple University Football and Basketball.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Deeney whom he married on Valentine’s Day 1975. He is also survived by his daughter Hannah, 28, his Son-In-Law Ian, his seven siblings as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Doctors Without Borders or the Temple University Student Emergency Aid Fund. In accordance with his wishes, he is donating his body to science and a celebration of his life will be held at a later time.
