James W. Baklarz

James Walter Baklarz of Denton, Maryland, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026. He was 88 years old.

Born February 24, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Walter Francis Baklarz and Mary Margaret Davenport Baklarz. Jim graduated from Central Catholic High School, Pittsburgh in1956 with perfect attendance for that year. He married his teenage crush Mae on September 13, 1958. He served for four years in the Air Force as a Communications Specialist stationed in Alaska, Florida and Ascension Island. After leaving the Air Force he worked briefly for the B&O Railroad and then took a job with The Picker Xray Corporation where he worked until his retirement in 2008. While living in the Pittsburgh area they welcomed four children, Kim, Joy, Roy and Amy. They relocated their family to Bedford, PA in 1972, trading city life for country life which they relished. After 54 years of marriage the love of his life passed away in 2010. In May 2022 he moved to Denton, MD to be closer to his daughters and their families.

Naturally he was a fan of the Pittsburgh sports teams, especially the Steelers. Jim earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1951. He was a lifelong model train enthusiast, enjoyed home projects and was an active member of the Bedford High School Band Boosters. He was not one for sitting still unless he was working on a jigsaw puzzle. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and new great-grandson. He also had numerous grand dogs that brought him joy.

James is survived by three daughters: Kim Baklarz (Richard Graves), Amy Baklarz, and Joy Kolenda (Jeff); six grandchildren: Kati Kolenda, Hannah Dobbs (Stefan), Jacob Kolenda, Jordan Kolenda, Colin Graves, and Justin Kelly; one great-grandchild, Carson Dobbs; and one sister, Jane Dick.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Mae Collins Baklarz; son, Roy Baklarz; and sister, Jeanne Loughrey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 10AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 13209 Church Ln. Cordova, MD 21625. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In leu of flowers the family suggests a donation to your favorite animal rescue/shelter or the Caroline County Library.

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