Mr. James Russell Snyder

James Russell Snyder, P.E., 69, of Sykesville, MD, passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Born April 10, 1949 in Williamsport, PA, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Helen Wallace Snyder. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Deborah Snyder. He graduated from Bucknell University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, then began his lifelong career as a Geotechnical Engineer with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. His pride and dedication for his work was admired by his colleagues. Jim was a Senior Geotechnical Engineer within the Foundations and Dams Section and was the former Dam Safety Program Manager for the Baltimore District. He was most proud of his involvement in designing the Jennings Randolph Dam on the Maryland/West Virginia border, as well as designing the levee projects at Lock Haven, Scranton, and Olyphant. Throughout his career, he remained heavily involved with the construction and monitoring of these projects. In more recent years, Jim's career transitioned to coastal projects, specifically beach nourishment in Ocean City, MD, and the design of coastal structures. Most recently, he designed the District's first use of geotextile marine mattresses for a rehabilitation project on the Potomac River. Jim met his wife, Debbie, when they were in their mid-20s as next door neighbors in the same apartment building while working in the city. They married in 1977 and bought their first home together in Reisterstown before their first son was born. He showed his love and encouragement for his children by being there at every sports practice, game, and play. He kept detailed stats, clipped newspaper articles, and took videos of all of these and many other milestones in their lives, taking great pride in sharing them with others. In recent years he showed the same love for his grandchildren in much the same way. He was a passionate fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. He enjoyed reading and discussing politics, sports, American history, and science fiction. The vacations he planned, whether it was camping, going to the beach, or cross-country road trips, allowed him to share his love of nature and water with his family. He loved designing and constructing home projects, such as elaborate decks and a treehouse for his grandchildren. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his children: Russell Snyder and his wife, Lisa, of Burlington, MA; Christopher Snyder and his wife, Hannah, of Sykesville, MD; Jonathan Snyder and his fiancee, Ashley Kundin, of Sykesville, MD; Kathryn Clark and her husband, James, of Blacksburg, VA; and Brooke Snyder of Blacksburg, VA. He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren: Jaelyn, Maya, and Lucas Clark. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 7:00 PM at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Rd., Sykesville, MD. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6:00 PM until the time of the service.

Mr. James Russell Snyder

April 10, 1949 - October 10, 2018