James
Sanborn
deactivated
Jim Sanborn, a former resident of Dayton, MD for more than 45 years, passed away from Alzheimer’s on April 20, 2022. He was born in Washington, DC on March 10, 1932, the son of Norris Henry and Virginia Cotter Sanborn, and brother of Robert and Henry, all deceased. He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Emilie; children Bonnie Sink, Douglas Sanborn, Gail Clinch and Nancy Nixon; and 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren who affectionately called him JimPa.
Jim grew up in Silver Spring, graduating from Montgomery Blair High School and the University of Maryland with a major in horticulture. His passion for growing things led him to a vocation in agricultural research taking him from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Beltsville, to Grace Company in Clarksville, to Rohm and Haas in Pennsylvania and Texas, and finally to his own farm in Dayton, MD. In Dayton, he first planted ornamentals, and while these matured, he began growing cantaloupes and strawberries. His cantaloupes which were “the tastiest” were quickly found in local grocery stores and roadside stands. Eventually there were also hundreds of ornamental azaleas and rhododendrons, many of which graced his own Dayton property or others in the area.
Growing crops necessitated help. Jim hired and befriended “half the teenagers in town,” as well as young men from many lands including Japan, Argentina, France, Germany, Cameroon, Cambodia, Ethiopia and Honduras. His humor, kindness, guidance and support made a difference not only in his employees’ young lives but in almost everyone he encountered.
Jim was self-effacing not only in the community, but in Linden Linthicum United Methodist Church where he was regarded as a pillar of the church. He was generous with his money and time. He was involved in almost every aspect of the church including leadership positions, service to others and providing funds for various needs. He had an affinity for the youth of the church, mentoring many and accompanying the youth group on many of their mission trips.
Other interests and involvement included tennis and bridge, camping, hiking and traveling. He and Emilie were able to travel to many countries and all seven continents. He was always anxious to take another trip. Now he has taken his last and greatest - to his heavenly home.
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