James Edward Goldsmith

James (Jim) Edward Goldsmith III passed away early Monday, September 25th, 2023 at the age of 78. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Rose Marie Goldsmith (nee Strobel); his son, Jay, and wife, Ronda; his daughter, Nicole, and husband, Brad Thomte; his grandson, Jimmy, and wife, Samantha; his grandson, Paul and their mother, Lori; his sister, Sue Dorough; his brother, Johnnie, and wife, Charlotte; his aunt, Celie Matthews; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Ruth Goldsmith; his sister, Judy Goldsmith; his brother Joseph Goldsmith; his uncle, Randy Hill, wife Charlotte, and daughter Donna Kay Tzafarolgou.

Jim served for 30 proud years as an intelligence officer in the Navy, retiring with the rank of Captain. He continued that ethos of service to his community through his many decades in real estate, most recently with Century21, his multiple terms in the La Plata Town Council, and serving on the Town’s planning commission, design and review board, and a parks and recreation commission.

Jim’s passions included traveling all over the world to every continent, spending time with family and friends, particularly playing back alley bridge, sampling different cuisines (while always returning to Rose’s kitchen), renovating houses to sell or rent, helping people find homes, and giving back to the community through participation in the Lions Club, multiple roles on the board of Washington Square, Meals on Wheels, the American Legion, Post 82-Harry White Wilmer, La Plata, MD, the General Smallwood chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, and as a patron of the Port Tobacco Players.

Jim leaves a legacy of generosity to pay forward, establishing the foundational value of “Take care of family” to spread throughout the vast net of family and friends who knew and loved him. In the final months of his life, he got ordained and officiated his son’s wedding. When he knew what he wanted to do, he pursued that goal with the single-minded intensity of a bull in a china shop, leaving others dazed and trying to catch up in the wake of that burst of energy. The savviness of his financial acumen was frequently sought after by those who recognized his skills, and he could always be counted on for sound advice and assistance. He was highly respected as a leader in every community he occupied, and his positive impact will continue to ripple outward long after he’s been gone.

Visitation will be Monday October 9, 2023 from 9:30 AM until Service time at 11:30 AM at the Holy Ghost Church (15848 Rock Point Rd. Newburg, MD 20664). Interment to follow in the Church Cemetery.

 To honor his life, Jim requested that mourners get involved in their local community and do their civic duty. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support your local charity organization or cancer society in his name.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at arehartechols.com

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