James (Jim) Cecil of Laurel passed away during his sleep at the Berlin Nursing Home on Nov. 17, 2022. He was born on Dec. 20, 1941 in Federalsburg to the late Claude Cecil and Frances White (Thomas).
He was the loving husband of Janice Cecil, celebrating 62 years together on April 20, 2022. Jim served with the United States Army from 1960 to 1968. His latest tour was in the country of Germany. Jim worked for Frito-Lay until he had to undergo a heart transplant at John Hopkins Hospital in 1991. After 11 years, his heart failed and he underwent another transplant at John Hopkins in 2002. With his third heart and the conscientious care of his wife, Janice, he made it to November 17. As a heart transplant recipient, Jim was very passionate about organ donation and spent many hours volunteering his time to the American Heart Association.
Jim enjoyed taking trips with Janice and family members traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, and many states. Jim truly enjoyed spending time with his children, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his great-great-grandchild.
Besides his wife Janice, he is survived by his granddaughters, Kristen Littleton (Phillip) of Berlin, Amber Walters (Mike) of Brunswick, Md., Jamie Cecil (Bryan) of Laurel; grandson Wade Cecil (Amy) of Ashville, NC, and great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Jim’s siblings include Barbara Lord, Joyce Bennett and Donnie Cecil. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Charmaine Bradford and by his son James W. Cecil; brothers, Maurice Cecil, Coggy Cecil, and Richard Cecil.
A visitation was held on Monday, Nov. 28 at Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel. A funeral service followed at the funeral home. Interment followed in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contribution to be made in Mr. Cecil’s honor to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.