James A. Wantz

James “Jim” Albert Wantz, age 89 died Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Lorien Assisted Living, Taneytown. Born August 14, 1936, he was the son of the late Denton A. and Ruthanna (Rodkey) Wantz. He was the loving husband of Joan (Stiely) Wantz for nearly 70 years. They would have celebrated their anniversary on August 12. Jim and Joan lived a wonderful life for so many years. He was always happy and smiling, gentle and loving, and loved to laugh. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was loved by all who met him.

Jim is survived by children, Stephen A. Wantz and wife Kathy of Westminster, MD and Gregory V. Wantz and wife Karen of Westminster. Loving grandfather to Elizabeth (Wantz) Chaney and husband Jeff of Taneytown, Ashley (Wantz) Stahl and husband Jason of Westminster, Jessica Wantz of Church Hill, and Kevin Wantz of Essex. Loving great-grandfather to Emma, Ryan, and Peyton Chaney of Taneytown and Laney, Wesley, and Lucy Stahl of Westminster. He was also Godfather to Gail Lawyer Norris and survived by numerous nieces and a nephew.

He was predeceased by grandparents Howard M. & Emma (Krenzer) Rodkey, nephew Dr. Kevin Lawyer, sister Jean (Wantz) Lawyer and her husband Phil Lawyer.

Jim graduated from Taneytown Junior Senior High School in 1954. He graduated from Chicago Technical College in 1962. He also attended Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, Catonsville Community College and Western Maryland College (McDaniel).

Jim worked as an Architectural Draftsman for Cambridge Rubber Company, Taneytown, MD. He also worked as an Architectural Draftsman for the following firms: Buchart Architects/Engineers in York, PA, L.H. Crouse & Sons- General Contractors in Littlestown, PA, Harold E Little- Registered Architect in Hanover PA, and David H. Wilson and Associates in Towson, MD. Due to his architectural talents, he also worked on notable projects such as Franklin Square Hospital, Hampton House Apartments, and St. Paul’s School for Girls. Jim taught drafting at the Carroll County Vocational Center from 1971 to 1982 and was an assistant in School Facilities for CCPS in Central office from 1982-1995. He retired from the Carroll County Board of Education with 29 years of service.

Jim also established Wantz Drafting Services, a residential and commercial business, for which he worked part-time from 1956 to 2024. He worked on many projects and designed countless homes and businesses in the Carroll County area and beyond, including designing a Carroll County Public Schools logo, which was used for many years. Jim was a skilled draftsman and did all his work by hand. His drafting projects, when completed, were like looking at a fine piece of art.

Jim began playing the trombone in 1950. He was a member of the William F. Myers & Sons Band and Westminster Municipal Band along with his wife Joan and their two sons Stephen and Gregory.

He was a lifelong member of Baust United Church of Christ in Tyrone, where he served as cemetery caretaker.

Jim was also a Life Member of Pleasant Valley Community Volunteer Fire Company. He was responsible for the development and design of the apparatus building and social hall.

Jim had such a fondness for farming and loved his John Deere Farm Equipment. He lived on Tyrone Road from the age of 1. He was the devoted and loving husband of Joan, his high school sweetheart, whom he married right out of high school. They were inseparable. After they married, they bought 10 acres of land from Jim’s parents with an old farmhouse on the property that was built in the early 1870s, which they renovated. They lived in the same home all their married life. Jim and Joan loved their home and working on their property so much so that traveling was not of much interest to them.

Jim also loved spending time with his family and most of all, spending time with his four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Interment will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Pleasant Valley Fire Company, 2030 South Pleasant Valley Rd, Westminster, MD 21158 or Westminster Municipal Band, PO Box 11, Westminster, MD 21157.