James D. Cawley

James (Jim) D. Cawley, 84, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, in Crofton, Maryland. A devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, Jim lived a life marked by generosity, dedication, and love for his family.

Born on May 28, 1940, in Forest City, Pennsylvania, Jim was the son of James M. and Alice Cawley. After graduating from Forest City High School, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Scranton. He was drafted into the US Army and after being discharged, went on to work for the National Security Agency at Fort Meade until his retirement.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara (Beautz) Cawley, whom he said was the best thing that ever happened to him, and their four children, Michelene (Miki) Cawley of Frederick, Maryland; James P. Cawley (wife Mindy) of Frederick, Maryland; Erin Chilcote (husband Steve) of Bowie, Maryland; and Sean Cawley (wife Carmen) of Charlotte, North Carolina.

He treasured his role as a grandfather to Jillian Chilcote, James (Conner) Cawley, Darby Chilcote, Kathleen Cawley, Madison Davis, Gabrielle Davis, Dan Chilcote, Margaret Cawley, Aiden Cawley, and Cole Cawley. His grandchildren brought him great joy and were a source of endless pride. Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother William Cawley (wife Frances).

Jim was a longtime baseball fan, playing throughout his youth and following the Brooklyn/LA Dodgers. He kept his ticket from Sandy Koufax's 1964 no-hitter in his wallet his entire life. Moving to Maryland, he became a devoted fan of the Nationals, Capitals and Commanders, and was thrilled to have lived long enough to see Dan Synder finally sell the Commanders so they could find success again under competent management.

He particularly enjoyed family trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, hosting holiday family gatherings, watching old westerns, building puzzles, and family poker games. He was particularly proud of winning the Dicky V March Madness Trophy more times than anyone else.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their local animal shelter. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on May 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Chapel at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church 16501 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD. The family will receive visitors starting at 11 a.m.