James Michael Long

August 22, 2023, James Michael Long (Mike), 57, of Charlotte Hall, MD, passed away with his beloved children at his side after battling an illness for many years.

Born June 2, 1966 to James Judson Long, Jr. and Claudia Anderson Long, Mike lived his rambunctious young life in St. Mary’s County with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends nearby. Mike always loved talking about his childhood memories with his grandmother Alice G and his friends and cousins. After Mike graduated from Ryken High School in 1984, he went on to acquire his general studies degree at the College of Southern Maryland. After graduating with his degree, Mike started working at the Architect of the Capitol as an Electrician, kick starting his 20+ year career. Later on in life, Mike shifted his focus and began working full-time as the owner of the family business, Wicomico Motorsports Park.

In 1996, Mike married Elizabeth Johnson (Beth) and went on to have two children, Geneva Mae Ward (Long), and James Lowell Long. They were married for 22 years before parting ways in 2019. Mike was forever proud of his children, touting them as “his greatest accomplishments”. 

Mike was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. His friends could always count on him and knew he would offer a beer and his ear whenever they needed him. His love for music transcended in all that he did, which means his stereo was almost always on, and always loud. Mike enjoyed playing instruments, playing pool and darts, shooting guns, playing cards, learning about his family's history, cooking, fishing, living on the family farm, drinking a cold beer, and most importantly - spending time with his children. His dedication to his children shined through in the countless family vacations, his special Easter Stuffed Ham, opening presents together on Christmas morning, playing catch in the backyard, coaching T-Ball teams, walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding, talking about his joy and excitement to become a grandfather, and simply being there whenever he was needed.

Mike was predeceased by James Judson Long, Jr. (Father), Alice Geneva Long (Grandmother), James Judson Long (Grandfather), Joseph Thelbert Anderson (Grandfather), and Mary Genevieve Graves Anderson (Grandmother). He is survived by Geneva Mae Ward (Daughter), James Lowell Long (Son), Zachary Dylan Ward (Son in-law), Claudia Anderson Long (Mother), and his Granddaughter due in January of 2024.

Mike was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be missed and remembered by the many lives he has touched. Even though he was a very stubborn man at times, he was also a very gentle soul, with a big heart, and lots of love to share with those around him. His family hopes he is smiling widely and making up for lost time in Heaven with his grandmother Alice G, father Jimmy Long, and his best friend Jeff Tippet (to name a few). They also hope he is soaking up all the love from the pets he loved dearly, such as Opie, Toby, Lester, Chip, Chessie, and Jack. Mike, everyone you left in this world hates that you are gone but we are happy that you are home, free, and painless. We will always love and miss you, until we can meet again.

A viewing and visitation will take place at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home in LaPlata, MD on Thursday August 31, 2023 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Newport Church on Friday September 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM. A repass for friends and family will be held at Mikes Former home immediately following the service.  (Address: 12595 Olde Mill Road Charlotte Hall, MD 20622). The family requests that those planning to attend bring a dish and/or beverage.

Mike loved flowers, so arrangements are welcomed and appreciated.

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

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