Mr. James "Jim" Noland

James “Jim” Noland, born March 3, 1964 in Glen Burnie MD, left us to start the next chapter in his journey on April 2nd, 2020 at 56 years of age. Eldersburg, Carroll County, Maryland was his home. Jim had a life-long love affair with booze, guns, fine dining, and sophisticated women - not necessarily in that order. Jim was killed when he rushed into a burning orphanage to save a group of adorable children and dogs. Or, maybe not. We all know how he liked to joke around and tell stories. One comforting thought about Jim departing is that he no longer has to bother with sunscreen or worry about his cholesterol or alcohol intake. Jim lived a meaningful and beautiful life, which began with his mother, Corina, his father “Skip,” and his younger sister Lynn. Jim was a bright and caring child who showed talent in many areas, including being an accomplished Boy Scout for many years. Corina was a nurse and passed on an aptitude for medicine to her son, especially emergency interventions. Jim had a wonderful childhood with his sister Lynn. He taught her all about Rock and Roll and how to appreciate music, among countless other “big brother” lessons. His large, Italian family affectionately referred to him as “Jimmy.” He loved to learn about his ancestry and participate in all things related to Italian culture. During his teenage years, Jim expanded and developed his passion for music and literature. He played games with friends (reportedly making detailed maps on graph paper for Dungeons & Dragons games) and swimming at the Kuethe’s family pool next door. He excelled at having fun and not only getting to know people, but seeing the best in everyone. Jim was highly intelligent and creative, and he enjoyed expressing these attributes as often as he could. He forged profound and lasting friendships during this time. This included his very close friendship with Jon Perry, with whom he founded the band Longhouse. Jim met a young woman, Terese Reamer, soon after high school. He had his first daughter, Isha, when Jim was 21 years old. He was young and worked very hard to provide while being the caring and nurturing father that he was. His next child (and only son), Elijah Reamer, arrived when Jim was 26. Jim could not have been happier to have a son, who would grow to be so very like himself. Jim was loved by Terese’s extended family, the Reamers. They shared many unforgettable times of mirth and celebration over the years. Fast forward to 1993: Jim fell in love with Michele Pedersen and they were married a few years later. Jim’s second Daughter, Ariana, was a happy addition to his life. He was full of joy and pride for his growing family. At 31, Jim’s third daughter, Michaela “Rose” was brought into the world, through a home birth with which he assisted happily, excited to welcome his newest little girl. In 1997 at 33, Jim’s final daughter, Gabrielle, was born and welcomed by her father’s loving arms. And yes - that makes 4 girls and 1 boy! Jim’s lineage expanded again when he was 54, as he held his grandson, Rose’s son Silas James, for the first time and knew he would never be the same. Family was always vitally important to Jim. An excellent entertainer and cook, Jim drew his family around him in the tradition of his Italian heritage. He fed people - not only delicious food; he fed them what they needed, through song, drink, food, laughter, prayer, comfort, spiritual truths, and understanding. He was the ambiance in the room. He was a strong man with a big heart, who never met a stranger. Everything was an experience with Jim. He could plan an entire event from start to finish, accounting for every detail, thinking of everyone, truly a “host with the most.” Jim opened his home and heart to countless people throughout his life and always made it known that you had a seat at his table. “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world” -J.R.R. Tolkein Jim was never a stranger to spoonerisms and Dad jokes, constantly pontificating on his effort to get back to his original weight...7 lbs 4 oz. He was wise, one of the rare people who could, in great verbosity, tell you something about everything because of his ability to learn and his thirst for knowledge. He loved firearms, shooting and prepping for all emergency situations. Jim even volunteered as an EMT with his community fire department for the joy of helping people and his community. Jim was truly a great man whose impact will forever be felt by the family that loves him dearly and knows that they will see each other again. He was a selfless man whose passing has left a hole that only he can fill. His ability to love, sacrifice, provide, support, and forgive will forever be lessons to all he knew. Jim’s legacy will live on through his children who are all so very like him. He will be remembered by his lyrics, the sound of his buttermilk voice, his songs, humor, wit, lexical discord, laughter, smile, wisdom, and family traditions. He was so loved and always will be held in the hearts of his beloved children, family, and friends. Men wanted to be him and women wanted to be with him. He was often described as “The Man, The Myth, The Legend” and known by many other names as well: Papa, Papa Bear, Daddy, Mr. Jim, Armagnac, Chaitanya (his spiritual name, meaning God of Song and Dance), and Nonno. No matter what name he goes by, we know he will aim for the sky. “The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins some larger way, where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say.” -J.R.R. Tolkein When Jim took off for that pool party in the sky, he left behind his loving family: his five beloved children, Isha Kir, Elijah Reamer, Ariana Matthews, Rose Noland Rials, and Gabrielle Noland; his precious grandson, Silas James Noland Rials, his miniature in form; his younger sister Lynn Noland-Seiss, her husband Rick, and their two children, Ben and Emily; The two mothers of his children, Michele and Terese; his mother Corina; so many extended family members; all of his dear friends (he had too many to name); and the countless people whose lives he touched. Jim would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus - a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time. God Bless and Godspeed Jim. “As I am, I am as I am and I close these tired eyes again. As I am I am as I am in the starlight I remain.” -Jim Noland The family is asking for donations in lieu of flowers, please donate to your choice of: •Sweet Relief Musicians Fund: sweetrelief.org •Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department: sykesvillefire.org/content/payment •Order and tip tremendously to a local restaurant (Salerno’s, The Cork, Oscar’s, Liberatore’s, and E.W. Beck’s were Jim’s watering holes of choice) Tell them you’re there to honor Jim! •Or just make a toast with a flagon of your finest libation There will be a vigil at Cork Wine Pub and a Celebration of Life service to follow at a later date (details will be posted). Feel free to be as late as you'd like, as Jim was never on time for anything. If there was ever a treasure that he snatched out from under you among the mounds of junk, please wait the appropriate amount of time to contact the family to claim your loot. We're available tomorrow. Jim had many musical conquests throughout his years and wanted to share his love of music and his gift for songwriting, performing, and having jam sessions with multiple instruments and friends. To hear some of his talent, check out the links below: Longhouse - https://longhousemd.bandcamp.com/album/longhouse Medium Underground - https://open.spotify.com/artist/43yWvb7nT8N4M3ZxgPyR1V

Mr. James "Jim" Noland

March 3, 1964 - April 2, 2020