James Francis Laddbush

James Francis Laddbush, 69, of Hyattsville, Maryland, died Friday January 18, 2019.  Mr. Laddbush was born July 5, 1949 in the District of Columbia, and was the son of the late Frank Edward Laddbush and Mary Elizabeth Malloy Laddbush.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Frank Edward Laddbush III.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathleen Whetzell Laddbush of Hyattsville, Maryland; daughter Kerry Ann Laddbush Sefton (Scott) of Denton, Maryland; son Ryan Francis Laddbush (Amy) of Bowie, Maryland; granddaughters, Josie Layne Laddbush, Brady Ann Laddbush, Della Jane Sefton, Mary Catherine Laddbush, Charlotte Jones Laddbush, and Sloane Stewart Laddbush; grandsons Ray Tucker Laddbush, Sean Patrick Laddbush, Evan Matthew Laddbush, Bennett Francis Laddbush, Finnian Fritz Laddbush, and John Paul Nicholas Laddbush; twin brother John Edward Laddbush (Mary); sister Diane Marie Laddbush Lecompte (Michael); beloved parents-in-law George and Catherine Whetzell; sisters-in-law Charmaine Whetzell, Fritzi Whetzell Monahan (Jay), and Sheila Bentz Laddbush; four nephews, five nieces, six grandnieces, and five grandnephews.

Jim retired in 2015 with 42 years of service with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 26.  Jim spent 33 years of his career at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Jim was a gifted electrician who had the opportunity to work with curators to illuminate continually changing exhibits and renowned works of art. Jim was proud of the work he did and was inspired by the beauty that surrounded him each day. As a result of this expertise, he was exceptionally knowledgeable in the ‘Art’ categories as he watched his favorite show ‘Jeopardy!’ every evening, without fail.

Always an engaged parent, Jim assisted coaching almost every sport that his children enjoyed, and volunteered his time at their schools and youth clubs.  After raising his own wonderful family, he continued to share his love and dedication with his 12 grandchildren, and was joyfully anticipating the birth of his newest granddaughter.  Jim taught his children and grandchildren the fine art of crabbing in the coastal bays and most importantly, how to steam and devour Maryland blue crabs. 

Jim met his love, Kathleen at St. John’s CYO in Chillum, Maryland, and they have been side by side ever since.  For the last 50 years, they have never stopped the dance.   Together, they enjoyed spending time in Bethany Beach and traveling, taking in as many adventures and beautiful sights as they could.  Jim was always excited to travel, the friends and family that would be traveling with him were always more important to him than the destination.

Although Jim enjoyed golfing with good friends, he was equally happy spending that time with and tending to his grandchildren and grandnieces.  Always at the ready, and without saying a word, he was there to support, assist, and encourage anyone who crossed his path, not just his loved ones.  He rarely went anywhere without his tools, because someone, somewhere may need a little help...he just couldn’t leave home without them.

Jim made an everlasting impact on so many people in his life by being a quiet and gentle presence that was seldom heard, but always felt, and undoubtedly to be remembered. 

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 16501 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715, where Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 25, 2019  at 11 am.  Interment private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/ Arrangements by Cole Funeral Services www.colefuneral.com