James Edward Sauers

JAMES EDWARD (JIMMY) SAUERS, a lifelong resident of Harford County died unexpectedly at his Benson, Maryland home on December 17, 2004. He was 69 years old. Born in Havre de Grace, he was the second son of the late Samuel and Lillian H. Sauers of Bel Air.

Jimmy was raised in Bel Air and attended Bel Air Elementary through Bel Air High School, graduating in 1952, and was a member of the first graduating class of the new high school building. His name, as he told his children, was put in the corner stone of the new high school building.

After high school graduation, Mr. Sauers graduated from RETS Electronic School in Baltimore and was then employed with the Kunkel Service Company, located on Bond Street in Bel Air, MD.

Jimmy was the second generation of his family to be employed at the Kunkel Service Company. Alongside his father, Sam Sauers, who had the reputation as the best machinist and repairman in the county, Jimmy soon developed his own reputation as the best automotive parts and diagnostician in the area. As an automotive expert, whose abilities surpassed the part encyclopedias and computers, he freely gave his consultations in the areas of classic automobiles. With Jimmy’s unique personality, he enjoyed many friendships and acquaintances and was always willing to give someone a hand.

He retired from Kunkel Service Co. after 43 years of service where he was the manager of the Bel Air Store. His interest in classic and antique automobiles gave him and his family many years of enjoyment. He continued to maintain the first car he purchased, a 1934 Plymouth coupe.

He loved the frequent company of his eight grandchildren: David John Churn; Emily Anne Sauers; Stephen Edward Churn; Ian Andrew Schultz; Scott Thomas Sauers; Abraham Lee Churn; Taylor Marie Miller and McKenzie Lee Miller. He was in close contact with his two nieces and three nephews.

He was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bel Air where he began regular attendance as a young child. He was also a member of Harford County Historical Society.

Mr. Sauers is survived by his wife of 44 years, Virginia Lee Hamby Sauers; a son, Michael Scott Sauers and his wife, Patti of Bel Air; three daughters, Mary Michele Sauers of Perry Hall; Marjorie Leah Churn and husband David of Darlington; and Meredeth V. Miller and husband, Lance of Bel Air. He is also survived by a brother, John Franklin Sauers and wife, Jeanette of Whitetop, Virginia and his eight grandchildren.

Pallbearers were: Samuel Sauers, Steven Sauers, Kevin Grindle, David John Churn, Lance Miller, Douglas Struve, Brian Schultz, and Richard Schaech.

Those who desire may contribute to the American Diabetes Association, Maryland Affiliate, Inc., 3120 Timanus Lane, Suite 106, Baltimore, Maryland 21244.