James W. Minnich, enjoyed tennis
James Wesley “Jim” Minnich of Ocean View passed away suddenly but peacefully Saturday, July 21, 2018, with family by his side. Born July 25, 1943, in Danville, Pa., Jim lived a full and active life until July 17 when he suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage on his way to work at the Fenwick Islander Motel. Though the Millville Rescue Squad, Beebe Hospital, helicopter medevac, and the doctors and nurses at Christiana Hospital worked to save him, he passed away at Seasons Hospice. His family thanks all for their expedient and valiant effort.
Jim was the son of Nancy and Jim Minnich Sr. He is survived by his sisters, Shirley (Minnich) McBryan of Sunbury, Pa., and Martha (Minnich) Noeller of Largo, Fla. A sister, Karen Minnich, died as an infant.
Jim joined the Navy after graduating from Milton High School in 1961; he was selected for the Submarine Service in which he proudly served for eight years. He met and married Priscilla Hale while stationed at the Groton/New London Submarine Base in 1966. They would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary this month.
Jim is survived by his wife Priscilla; his son, Charles (Chuck) Minnich of Columbia, Md., and his daughter Sherry Minnich Piirainen of West Paris, Maine. He leaves his grandchildren Lexi Rodriguez, Anna Piirainen, Veikko Piirainen, and his beloved dog Rocky.
After leaving the Navy in July 1969, Jim worked for many years as an electrician in printing companies in Maryland. He resided in Waldorf, Md., for 33 years. As a teenager, Jim worked as a golf caddy and was an avid golfer in his earlier years. He later switched to tennis which he played three times a week with his Ocean City buddies. He was a New York Yankees fan and a devoted follower of tennis star Roger Federer.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to donate to a local animal shelter or to a veterans organization in Jim’s name.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
