Severna Park remembers “8,” Jim McCandless. Photo by Colin Murphy

On Jan. 24, Severna Park lost a coach, father, friend and community leader. James Thomas McCandless, III, better known as Jim, or “8” to those he coached, left behind a community full of people mourning his loss.

Jim’s passing has reverberated throughout the community. His heart, his spirit, and his dedication to the athletes he coached, left an indelible mark on those he touched.

“We lost a tremendous individual, a role model for the kids,” Severna Park Athletic Director Wayne Mook said. “He’s somebody you want all your kids to grow up to be like.”

“We’ve lost a good man, and I’ve lost a good friend,” expressed Larry Sells, Green Hornets Board Member, former SPHS Booster President, “voice” of Falcon baseball and father of a son coached to two state championships by McCandless.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Meredith and the girls,” Sells continued. “Jim did so much good in his life. He gave so much to his community. And he should be remembered for all of the good things he did.”

McCandless was born on September 1, 1968, in Stuttgart, Germany, and lived in Miami, Florida, where he developed a love of baseball. He moved to Severna Park in 1983 and graduated from Severna Park High School, later graduating from the College of William and Mary. Jim was a founder and coach for the Severna Park American Legion Baseball team, and reached the American Legion World Series.

Jim was the General Manager of the Greater Severna Park Athletic Association “Green Hornets” since 1993 and was the Severna Park High School Baseball Coach, winning three state championships. He was a mentor to his players and helped many of them earn college scholarships. Jim enjoyed playing golf and was a member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Meredith A. McCandless (nee Ventura) of Severn; three daughters, Claudia C., Sarah E. and Georgia A. McCandless of Severn; parents, Paula and James Thomas McCandless II of Severna Park; and two brothers, Jeffrey C. McCandless of Severna Park and Robert P. McCandless of Moorestown, New Jersey.

Memorial services were held at Barranco & Sons on Jan. 29, and also at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church on Jan. 30.

A memorial fund has been established to benefit Jim’s children. Contributions may be made to: McCandless College Fund, c/o SunTrust Bank, 566 B Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146.