James Richard Damaré

Mr. James Richard Damaré ("Jim") passed away at age 68 on August 13, 2025, in Reston/Sterling, Virginia. The third son and middle child of seven siblings, Jim was born February 13,1957 in Pomona, California, to Margaret and Hilton (“Hup”) Damaré.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Maria, with whom he built a life full of warmth, laughter, and shared traditions. Together they raised four children: sons James Michael and Jared (Sam), and daughters Joanna (Matt) Bartles and Jackie (Travis) Lockhart. He was a proud grandfather to Maddison, Andromeda, and Coral. Jim is also survived by his siblings John, Suzanne, Bill, Michele, Patti, and Chrissy. He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Heidi (Shreyer) Damaré.

A man of many talents and boundless curiosity, Jim continually reinvented himself in the face of life’s challenges. His professional journey led him to become highly knowledgeable in areas as diverse as the restaurant business, gold & silver, fine china & housewares, horse tack, web design, photography, and real estate. His love for learning and adaptability were matched only by his tenacity and mischievous charm that kept those around him smiling—and sometimes guessing.

Jim lived a life marked by resilience, creativity, and deep devotion to his family and community. Jim had a passion for photography that went far beyond hobby; it was a way of capturing the beauty of nature and the essence of family moments. He became the unofficial family photographer—his lens preserving birthdays, holidays, graduations, and everyday joys. Each year he created personalized family calendars to celebrate milestones and keep loved ones connected.

His love for fishing and traveling reflected his appreciation for the natural world and the joy of discovery. A survivor of a near-death experience upon arriving in Greece for a long-anticipated vacation, Jim’s resilience shone through once again. His determination to embrace life never waned.

At the heart of Jim’s life was his family. From their first home in Silver Spring, Maryland to their current home in Sterling, Virginia, Jim and Maria cultivated a home filled with love and tradition. He delighted in cooking meals alongside Maria—each dish prepared with care and served with joy. Whether it was a family holiday event or a spontaneous gathering “just because,” Jim found happiness in feeding others and creating lasting memories around the table.

Jim’s moral compass guided every aspect of his life. He felt deeply and acted with conviction. He spoke his mind with honesty and compassion. His generosity extended beyond family to friends and strangers alike. He believed we are all connected and lived that belief through acts of kindness and support for causes close to his heart.

Those who knew Jim will remember him as bright, loving, clever, funny, hardworking—and above all—a man with an enormous heart. His legacy lives on not only in the memories he helped create but also in the values he embodied: resilience in adversity, joy in everyday moments, love for family, and kindness toward all.

Though today our hearts ache with loss, we also give thanks for the gift of knowing Jim Damaré. We are richer for the lessons he taught us through example: to live fully, love deeply, speak truthfully, laugh often and always take the picture.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all whose lives he touched. A memorial service will take place at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at 9705 Summit Ave., Kensington, MD on September 13, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. On September 20th the family will also welcome friends and neighbors to a celebration of life at Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, VA under a picnic shelter by the river.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree, contributing to a nature foundation or to your own favorite charity. Contact Joanna Bartles at (703) 434-1241 for additional information.