James "Jamie" R. Schraf - Obituary

chraf, James R. (Jamie) – James R. Schraf, 64, of Edgewater, MD, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Washington, DC, Jamie spent his childhood in Capital Heights, MD where he had the unique experience of growing up on the same street as his grandmother, uncles, aunts and cousins. He attended Bishop McNamara High School, graduating in 1978 at the top of his class. He continued his education at Mount St. Mary’s College, graduating in 1982 summa cum laude with a B.S. in Accounting. He held close to his heart the adventures, memories and friendships forged at “The Mount” and considered them among his greatest blessings. Jamie then pursued a career in law, attending American University Washington College of Law, J.D. class of 1985. Jamie’s professional career spanned 36 years, beginning as an associate at Lipshultz & Hone, where he later became a partner. He retired from YVS Law in 2022. Jamie prosecuted and defended lawsuits in state and federal trial courts in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. He was a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, District of Columbia Bar Association and Anne Arundel County Bar Association. Jamie continues to be respected in the profession for having demonstrated exceptional dedication to the legal profession and making substantial contributions to the communities he served. Jamie upheld the values of justice and equity and left an indelible mark on the legal landscape, inspiring future generations of legal professionals. Although an astute and accomplished attorney, Jamie was very “down to earth”. He is regarded as generous beyond imagination, kind and approachable, with a wry sense of humor. Many describe him as one of the best men they have ever had the honor to know. An avid sports fan, Jamie was dedicated to the Washington Redskins, later the Commanders, the Washington Senators, later the Nationals and the Capitals Hockey teams and was fortunate to attend many games and tailgating events. Several years after college, while watching his friends play a lacrosse game Jamie was handed a stick and a helmet and told to “act like it’s not your first day”! He never looked back! Jamie played as a midfielder with various teams, most notably, the Geezers Masters and Grand Masters teams. In 1996, Jamie played with the Geezers in the Hawaii Lacrosse Invitational with star players Gary Gait and Lindsay Dixon. The Geezers won and took home the trophy! Jamie served as the Maryland Masters Lacrosse League Commissioner from 2001-2007. As with all aspects of his life, Jamie dedicated himself to the League and the role. Jamie was happiest when boating on the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waterways. Ask any of his boating friends and they will each have stories to share about their excursions, adventures and occasional rescues! A lifetime of memories …. water skiing on Friday evenings, tubing, raft ups, barge parties, good music and especially good friends. Jamie lived for the gentle bay breezes, the cold beer and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Jamie enjoyed an eclectic range of music from old style country to heavy metal. He had an extensive album collection - not only could he name that tune, but he also knew who sang it and when it came out! His ticket stub collection is a testament to the number of concerts he attended. In younger years, Jamie completed the Marine Corp Marathon three times with impressive finishing times and ran countless 5K’s and 10K’s as well as the annual Annapolis Strider’s 10 Miler, earning a cold beer after each! Later, he perfected the balance of gym workouts with trips to the local pub. Jamie is well known for having witty and memorable quotes! Some favorites include: “Everybody’s gotta’ get paid” “Let’s take it from the top” “I’m just watching the game” “Get your face ready” “You guys are too wild for me!” “ I’m having a victory beer and I’m going to bed” “There’s still the traditional check paying beer!” Jamie is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years Susan “Jean” (Shuey), stepson Christopher J. Zapf, sister Kathleen Schraf Suthard, brother Richard A. Schraf; in addition to uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by his parents, James R. Schraf, Dolores (Dennison) Schraf and his stepson, Matthew A. Zapf. Friends may call at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 3:00pm-7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD, on Wednesday, July 16, 202, at 11:00am followed by interment at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, Hospice of the Chesapeake or www.pancan.org.