James E. Waters, II

James E. Waters II of North East, Maryland, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023. Jim was born in Wilmington, Delaware to James and Doris (Southwood) Waters.

Jim is survived in legacy by his fiancé Janet Rutledge; his children Laurel (Andrew) Poretz, Crystal (Jim) Van Lenten, Bryan (Melissa) Waters, John (Laura) Waters; grandchildren Liv, Cali, Greyson, Cruse, Evan, Mason, Isabelle and Cody; sister Kate Davis; and many other longtime friends and family.

Jim grew up in Palm Beach, Florida spending summers at his parent’s second home in Elkton, Maryland. As a child, he enjoyed summer camps in the mountains of North Carolina. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University he moved permanently to Cecil County Maryland. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim grew his business, Triumph Industrial Park, with a passion for community economic development.

He was committed to several organizations throughout the years. Jim took the lead in the formation of the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce and was their first president. He was a Board Member of the YMCA, a Board Member of the Hances Point Community and member of the North East River Yacht club. These were just a few of Jim’s many accomplishments.

Jim, whose surname was Waters, was certainly given the right name. His passion for life was being on the water. Whether it be a sunset cruise on the Chesapeake Bay or fishing and diving in the ocean around the Florida Keys, Jim was always happy on the water. Aside from boating, his first love was his family. Family vacations, crab feasts, barbeques, golfcart rides with the grandkids were just a few highlights in his life. He taught and shared his passions to many. There was never a lack of kindness and always a smile on his face. Jim loved life and enjoyed activities such as tennis, fishing, skiing, scuba diving, golf, being in nature, reading, long walks and enjoying a cocktail on his deck overlooking the flow of the North East River. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Services will be held on Friday, April 21 at Crouch Funeral Home, P.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, MD. Visitation will be at 11:00am with a service at 12:00pm, procession to Gilpin Manor Memorial Park at 198 Appleton Road #150, Elkton, Md 21921. 

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