James O'Rourke - Obituary

ames Charles O’Rourke, a 10-year resident of Heritage Harbour in Annapolis and previously of Millersville, died at his home on June 3, 2014 of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) following a 14 year illness. He was 74. Known to everyone as Jim, he was born on March 24, 1940 in Somerville, MA to the late Rita Fleming and James O’Rourke, Sr. He graduated from Matignon High School in Cambridge, MA and from the University of MD with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science. Jim was employed with the NSA from 1966-1985, SAIC from 1985-2000 and as an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins Graduate School. He served in the U.S. Army as a SSGT and was stationed in England, Germany and USA. His memberships included the Phoenix Society and Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Crownsville. Jim enjoyed Genealogy, Computers, Bridge, Learning and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jim is survived by his wife, Annette O’Rourke, whom he married in 1961; a daughter, Kim Edwards of Davidsonville; four grandchildren, Jessica Verde of Severna Park, Katherine Conn of Perry Hall, Matthew Edwards of Davidsonville and Julia (Grace) Edwards of Davidsonville; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Lily Verde. Friends may call on Monday, June 9 from 4 to 7pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, where a funeral service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, June 10. A private inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ALS Clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital, 200 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287 or the ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855.