Obituary for James Christian Saunders
James C. Saunders passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 83.
Jim was born in Mount Pleasant, New York and later moved to the Bronx where he went to school and started his adult life. After marriage and starting a family, Jim's career took him and his family from New York to Manassas, Virginia. Jim's love of New York never faded.
Jim was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important. Never judgmental, he enjoyed sharing a cigar among friends and family because he understood it was the little things in life that meant the most.
Jim was a man of few words, but when you engaged him you quickly uncovered his sense of humor and depth of knowledge. He had a life-long love affair with learning which led him down many paths: cook, baker, painter, mechanic, carpenter and computer pioneer. However, he didn't stop there, his passion for chess, travel, camping, bicycling, eating, gardening, Mahjong, and videography kept him busy. Jim's love of videography led him to documenting his family's life from early on, leaving a legacy for them all to enjoy. He was always willing to share and teach anything he knew and for that we will always be grateful.
An enthusiastic gardener and cook, he enjoyed talking about his hydroponic gardening system that produced scads of tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and spices; the best way to bake a cheesecake; and the best type of rice to use in fried rice. Family, friends and neighbors were always happy to indulge in the fruits of his labor.
Jim was a loving father, often sending unique gifts and home-made cards to his family. He especially loved buying and sending gadget's, the weirder the better.
Jim loved history and in the early years took his family on many camping adventures to visit historical sights. He once pulled a pop-up camper behind a 1969 VW Bug through the Catskill Mountains, a feat he swore hadn't been done before, or since! Never shying from adventure, on one camping trip the family cat was smuggles in and out of Canada because Jim didn't want to spring for a kennel.
In retirement, Jim took his grandkids on camping trips and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He continued to travel, often taking trips with his cherished friend Lauren Scheibli, who brought sunshine to his life as a fellow adventurer, Mahjong enthusiast, and kindred spirit.
Prior to the pandemic, he played a game called Hand and Foot at various friends' houses and taught Mahjong at the Senior Center. A constant learner, Jim was taking German language classes at the time of his death.
Surviving Jim are his daughter, Theresa Mullinax (Guy), son, James Saunders, Jr. (Tricia), and daughter, Heidi Saunders; grandchildren Jessica Molloy, Steven Mullinax, Michael Saunders, Katy Saunders, Zoe Saunders, James Saunders III, Dylan Saunders; and great-grandchildren Trinity Dove, Lola Mullinax and Collin Saunders. He also leaves his ex-wife Catherine Saunders, mother of his children, and extended family and friends.
Jim will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
A celebration of Jim's life will take place when the pandemic is less of a concern and we can celebrate Jim's love of good food and friends, his wacky sense of humor, and share a few pictures and videos, of course.
Jim was born in Mount Pleasant, New York and later moved to the Bronx where he went to school and started his adult life. After marriage and starting a family, Jim's career took him and his family from New York to Manassas, Virginia. Jim's love of New York never faded.
Jim was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important. Never judgmental, he enjoyed sharing a cigar among friends and family because he understood it was the little things in life that meant the most.
Jim was a man of few words, but when you engaged him you quickly uncovered his sense of humor and depth of knowledge. He had a life-long love affair with learning which led him down many paths: cook, baker, painter, mechanic, carpenter and computer pioneer. However, he didn't stop there, his passion for chess, travel, camping, bicycling, eating, gardening, Mahjong, and videography kept him busy. Jim's love of videography led him to documenting his family's life from early on, leaving a legacy for them all to enjoy. He was always willing to share and teach anything he knew and for that we will always be grateful.
An enthusiastic gardener and cook, he enjoyed talking about his hydroponic gardening system that produced scads of tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and spices; the best way to bake a cheesecake; and the best type of rice to use in fried rice. Family, friends and neighbors were always happy to indulge in the fruits of his labor.
Jim was a loving father, often sending unique gifts and home-made cards to his family. He especially loved buying and sending gadget's, the weirder the better.
Jim loved history and in the early years took his family on many camping adventures to visit historical sights. He once pulled a pop-up camper behind a 1969 VW Bug through the Catskill Mountains, a feat he swore hadn't been done before, or since! Never shying from adventure, on one camping trip the family cat was smuggles in and out of Canada because Jim didn't want to spring for a kennel.
In retirement, Jim took his grandkids on camping trips and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He continued to travel, often taking trips with his cherished friend Lauren Scheibli, who brought sunshine to his life as a fellow adventurer, Mahjong enthusiast, and kindred spirit.
Prior to the pandemic, he played a game called Hand and Foot at various friends' houses and taught Mahjong at the Senior Center. A constant learner, Jim was taking German language classes at the time of his death.
Surviving Jim are his daughter, Theresa Mullinax (Guy), son, James Saunders, Jr. (Tricia), and daughter, Heidi Saunders; grandchildren Jessica Molloy, Steven Mullinax, Michael Saunders, Katy Saunders, Zoe Saunders, James Saunders III, Dylan Saunders; and great-grandchildren Trinity Dove, Lola Mullinax and Collin Saunders. He also leaves his ex-wife Catherine Saunders, mother of his children, and extended family and friends.
Jim will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
A celebration of Jim's life will take place when the pandemic is less of a concern and we can celebrate Jim's love of good food and friends, his wacky sense of humor, and share a few pictures and videos, of course.