James F. Barthold - Obituary

im Barthold of Annapolis, MD, died on June 14. He was 77 years old. He leaves behind a son, Jarid Barthold-Robinson, also of Annapolis; a daughter, Kelsey Hott Barthold, of Jersey City, NJ; a brother, Ted Barthold, and sister-in-law, Kim Kirby, of Haddonfield, NJ; and a niece, Christine Haines, of Todd, NC. Jim had a bachelor’s degree from Penn State in political science and a master’s of fine arts in creative writing from the University of Iowa in 1968, where Kurt Vonnegut was amongst his teachers. He wrote numerous short stories. Writing led him to New York City, where he edited a boating magazine before moving to Annapolis to work on the fledgling Annapolis Sailboat Show for owners Jerry and Kathy Wood, both now deceased. As general manager of the Annapolis Boat Shows for more than 25 years, Jim helped to grow the sail and powerboat shows. His family has enjoyed looking back on the October 1987 issue of Annapolitan magazine, where he appeared on the cover as the face of the boat shows. His highly logical mind was able to solve complex problems under pressure, such as the logistics of breaking down the docks to free the sailboats and move in the powerboats at breakneck speed. Jim managed other events as well as the Annapolis sail and powerboat shows, among them boat shows on Kent Island and in Boston and Stamford; the Design for Living Show, a home and garden expo in DC; the Virginia Wine Festival in The Plains; and a wine, arts, and crafts show in Annapolis. In addition to his talent as a writer, Jim was a gifted photographer. For many years, he catalogued the changes on Dividing Creek in Severna Park, creating hand-mounted photo cards for Christmas. He had an artist’s sensibility, a sensitivity to details that he captured in words and film. He took annual photographs of the evolving boat shows, each year leaning out of the open door of a helicopter for aerial shots. Jim was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous in Annapolis, with nearly 40 years of sobriety. Despite not drinking himself, he continued to make rum-soaked fruitcakes and spiked eggnog for family and friends each Christmas, one of his sacred “traditions.” His favorite tradition was going to Bethany Beach, DE, where he owned a home for many years. Some of his most treasured times with his children were there, biking, swimming, sunbathing, and visiting Rehoboth for dinner. He is remembered for how much he loved his son and daughter and his commitment to spending time with them. A memorial is being planned for later in the year; if you would like to receive details on the memorial when they are finalized, please contact bartholdmemorial@gmail.com. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.