James Joseph D’Amico, Sr.
February 18, 1947 – January 28, 2025

James Joseph D’Amico, Sr. age 77 died January 28, 2025 at his home. Jim was born on February 18, 1947 in Canastota, N.Y., son of the late Vincenzo James and Louise Susan Ritter D’Amico.
Upon the death of his parents at a young age, he moved to Greenbelt, MD and was raised by his grandparents Charles and Eleanor Ritter. He attended St. Hughes Catholic School until 8th grade. He was active in playing sports and was a Jr. member of the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department.
Jim graduated from Suitland High School in 1965 working various jobs until he joined the D. C. Fire Department in June 1969. Jim retired in January 1995 as a Captain. After retiring he became a Calvert County School Bus Driver until his passing.
He was very active in his community, coaching his boys in various sports and was involved with Scouting. He was a member and very dedicated to Huntingtown United Methodist Church, including the Men’s Group, VBS, and loved working with the Youth Group, mission trips and Christmas in April. He also loved serving with the Huntingtown VFD, Optimist Club, Emerald Society, Lions Club of Calvert County and was an Election Judge for over 20 years.
Jim loved going to Florida every year for the Retired Firemen’s Reunion (RDCFD) among many ski trips, family vacations, reunions and international travels. Jim took pleasure in attending and watching Washington sports teams, hunting, and playing golf.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved his God, his family including his church family and he was always willing to help others.
Jim is survived by his wife Deborah Lynn D’Amico of 50 years and his sons James J. D’Amico Jr.(Emily), Anthony M D’Amico, and Joseph C D’Amico (Tatiana) as well as four grandchildren. William, Taylor, Ava Lynn and Mason. He leaves behind many extended family and friends in the community.
A reception will be held immediately following the services at Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Jim’s honor to Huntingtown United Methodist Church, Calvert County Lions Club, and the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department.
Visitation
Services
- Funeral Service
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
11:00 A.M.
Interment
- Private
Contributions
Calvert County Lions Club
PO Box 214
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Condolences
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Debbie, Jay, Tony, Joey and families, we are in disbelief and heartbroken at the loss of your husband, father and our dear dear friend. Words cannot express how sorry and sad we are at the passing of Jim. The Lunch Bunch won’t be the same without him. When Tom Rosnage wasn’t with us, I would get Jim to say the Blessing before we ate. He always did such a wonderful Blessing. RIP Jim….you will be so missed by all.
Bob & Theresa Trott
Dear Debbie and family.
I’m so sorry. My heart breaks for you all. The sudden passing of Jim has been a shock to say the least.
Jim was a wonderful leader in so many ways. His love and devotion for Family, Church, The Boy Scouts and Lions Club. And of course driving the bus for the little ones every day. Jim will be missed very much.
Sending my love and prayers for you all. 🙏💜🙏
Marcia Rusk
To the Family of Jim D’Amico,
I want to express my deepest condolences for your loss. Yesterday evening, my 7-year-old daughter came into my office with tears in her eyes and said, “Mommy just told me that my bus driver had passed away.” I was in shock—Jim and I had just talked the other day about how it was almost time to start mowing the lawn. Jim, with his signature sense of humor, had joked that no matter how many years passed, the grass wasn’t going to cut itself, and we both agreed that neither of us was particularly excited to get started. My daughter was especially fond of Jim, and seeing her in tears gave me a lump in my throat; I didn’t want to believe it.
This news has hit our family hard. Though I only knew Jim as my children’s bus driver, he was someone we all came to deeply appreciate. For years, he looked out for my son and daughter, ensuring their safe journey to and from school. He greeted them each morning, watched over them, and brought them safely home every afternoon. He had a way of making those around him feel at ease, whether with a friendly smile, a well-timed joke, or a reassuring presence.
Jim spoke with pride about his years as a firefighter and his dedication to supporting the Boy Scouts. He also shared stories about his father, who was at Pearl Harbor on that day of infamy. Every December 7th, I flew my American flag at half-mast in his father’s honor, and Jim always appreciated the gesture.
Every Friday afternoon, without fail, he would mention how much he was looking forward to dinner at the American Legion—good food, good company, and a well-earned beer. It was clear that he enjoyed life and the people around him. Even with a bus full of noisy kids, he seemed to find joy in his work, treating each day with humor and kindness.
Please know that our family grieves alongside you. Jim made a lasting impact on our lives, and we will always be grateful for the care and kindness he showed to our children. His warmth, humor, and generosity will not be forgotten. May the memories of his laughter and the love he shared bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With our deepest sympathy,
Robert Schlubach & Family
Our family would like to extend our sincere condolences to Jim’s family. We have known Jim for over two years, and he has been the bus driver for our two boys. We have always looked forward and expected to see Jim daily, and we have always enjoyed his positive demeanor and spirit in the mornings and afternoons. Being on a bus with a bunch of crazy kids is not easy, but he was always kind and friendly to my boys. He quickly ensured my boys received “buckeroo bucks” on Fridays when they helped him clear the bus.
We are the last stop on his bus route, and we always have a short chat before he goes. Knowing that Tuesday afternoon would be the last time I got to have that moment with Jim, I wish I could have made it last longer. He is missed, and my boys were heartbroken when we let them know that Jim had passed away.
He would always speak excitedly about going to the VFW on Fridays to have some beers and wished the kid’s buckeroo bucks could be used towards his cold drinks.
We will miss having him in our daily routine.
Thank you, Jim! The Wheeler Family
After Joey proposed to our daughter Tatiana, we were introduced to Jim and Debbie. It has been a blessing to have them a part of our family. Later after they were married we all went to Puerto Vallarta Mexico where Tatiana grew up as a child. It was clear Jim had a great spirit for adventure and loved to travel. We had a wonderful time exploring Mexico together.
Jim was a very dedicated Christian man who loved the Lord, his family, friends and fellow firemen.
We love you brother and will see you in our eternal home with the Lord in heaven.
Jim was an enabler. I know that word has taken on negative connotations over time, but to me, it’s someone who makes things possible. And Jim – Mr. D’Amico to me since I was 5 – made so many *good* things possible.
I’ve been best friends with Joey since kindergarten, which means I’ve known Mr. D’Amico through the eyes of a child, a teenager, and now an adult. I’ve learned that many others share similar perspectives through his roles as a firefighter, volunteer, and pillar of the community. My childhood memories are rich with time spent at their house – building forts in the surrounding woods, playing baseball in the front yard, roller hockey and basketball in the driveway, and endless games of ping-pong, pool, trumpet practice, and Nintendo in the basement. We’d even go sledding down their big hill when my parents could navigate the ice and snow to get to The Oaks. Looking back, I now understand that none of this happened by accident. Jim and Debbie had cultivated an environment that nurtured creativity, versatility, and curiosity in their boys – making every stick, bat, instrument, and tool available to us.
As an active church member and leader, his contributions were countless. His acts were clearly fruit of the Spirit, and that fruit enabled others to bear more of the same.
Jim enabled through action. He drove his kids to countless extracurriculars, transported hundreds of students on his bus routes, and made daily hour-long commutes to give Joey access to an elite high school experience. He made a career of saving lives as a firefighter and continued that service as a volunteer. He devoted thousands of hours to his church community, hoping to enable others to find Christ as their Savior. After knowing him for 35 years, I can say with certainty that you can’t help but be influenced by that kind of dedication.
And while he didn’t enable my beer drinking, he was certainly fun to share one with under the Charleston sun or during Maryland tailgates.
I witnessed Jim’s impact as his son’s childhood friend, but I can only imagine how far his influence spread – touching the lives of children on his bus routes, fellow church members, firefighting colleagues, dear friends, and his beloved family.
He prioritized quality and managed quantity too – all in Christ’s name. Many of us are grateful for his example of a Christian life well lived and well served in the name of the Father. Jim the enabler, and all of us, can rest in that.
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Debbie, Jay, Tony, Joey and family. We lost a dear family friend. Our son Michael and Joey continue to be best friends today.
Jim had a heart for service, a first responders heart, the heart of Christ. He was content in whatever he was doing, whether fire service, scouting, coaching, Lions Club, mission trips, bus driving, church suppers, helping a friend, or simply preparing roses for mothers, at church, on Mother’s Day.
During bible studies together for many years, we all had questions. The one question Jim did NOT struggle with was who his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is.
Jim & Debbie raised their family in the Lord, always seeking truth and goodness in all they did.
Jim’s presence will always be felt in the many lives he touched. We miss you our friend, and we will see you again.
Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Debbie and the family! Jim was one of the nicest people we had ever known. He was always so kind and stayed very busy. I know our children knew him as a busdriver. He would chat with them at church and was just a wonderful man. I remember him doing the elections and how he so enjoyed that. He just had a heart of gold and would do anything if someone were in need. He was always a busy guy with that big smile! God Bless your family as he will be surely missed. It just seems a couple months ago we were sitting and talking with both of you at the Steuart’s home. Our prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Debbie, my heart genuinely goes out to you, your sons, and family. Jimmy was always friendly and fun when we’d meet up at Steve’s gigs. My mom loved him along with the entire Carey family. I will be holding you in the Light as you are processing the shock and grief of his passing. Love Carole
Sort Comments
Debbie, Jay, Tony, Joey and families, we are in disbelief and heartbroken at the loss of your husband, father and our dear dear friend. Words cannot express how sorry and sad we are at the passing of Jim. The Lunch Bunch won’t be the same without him. When Tom Rosnage wasn’t with us, I would get Jim to say the Blessing before we ate. He always did such a wonderful Blessing. RIP Jim….you will be so missed by all.
Bob & Theresa Trott
My deepest sympathies to you Debbie and your family. May the love of those around you provide comfort and peace.
Dear Debbie and family.
I’m so sorry. My heart breaks for you all. The sudden passing of Jim has been a shock to say the least.
Jim was a wonderful leader in so many ways. His love and devotion for Family, Church, The Boy Scouts and Lions Club. And of course driving the bus for the little ones every day. Jim will be missed very much.
Sending my love and prayers for you all. 🙏💜🙏
Marcia Rusk
To the Family of Jim D’Amico,
I want to express my deepest condolences for your loss. Yesterday evening, my 7-year-old daughter came into my office with tears in her eyes and said, “Mommy just told me that my bus driver had passed away.” I was in shock—Jim and I had just talked the other day about how it was almost time to start mowing the lawn. Jim, with his signature sense of humor, had joked that no matter how many years passed, the grass wasn’t going to cut itself, and we both agreed that neither of us was particularly excited to get started. My daughter was especially fond of Jim, and seeing her in tears gave me a lump in my throat; I didn’t want to believe it.
This news has hit our family hard. Though I only knew Jim as my children’s bus driver, he was someone we all came to deeply appreciate. For years, he looked out for my son and daughter, ensuring their safe journey to and from school. He greeted them each morning, watched over them, and brought them safely home every afternoon. He had a way of making those around him feel at ease, whether with a friendly smile, a well-timed joke, or a reassuring presence.
Jim spoke with pride about his years as a firefighter and his dedication to supporting the Boy Scouts. He also shared stories about his father, who was at Pearl Harbor on that day of infamy. Every December 7th, I flew my American flag at half-mast in his father’s honor, and Jim always appreciated the gesture.
Every Friday afternoon, without fail, he would mention how much he was looking forward to dinner at the American Legion—good food, good company, and a well-earned beer. It was clear that he enjoyed life and the people around him. Even with a bus full of noisy kids, he seemed to find joy in his work, treating each day with humor and kindness.
Please know that our family grieves alongside you. Jim made a lasting impact on our lives, and we will always be grateful for the care and kindness he showed to our children. His warmth, humor, and generosity will not be forgotten. May the memories of his laughter and the love he shared bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With our deepest sympathy,
Robert Schlubach & Family
Condolences to Debbie and rest of the family. Prayers that your memories will comfort you in this difficult time .
Our family would like to extend our sincere condolences to Jim’s family. We have known Jim for over two years, and he has been the bus driver for our two boys. We have always looked forward and expected to see Jim daily, and we have always enjoyed his positive demeanor and spirit in the mornings and afternoons. Being on a bus with a bunch of crazy kids is not easy, but he was always kind and friendly to my boys. He quickly ensured my boys received “buckeroo bucks” on Fridays when they helped him clear the bus.
We are the last stop on his bus route, and we always have a short chat before he goes. Knowing that Tuesday afternoon would be the last time I got to have that moment with Jim, I wish I could have made it last longer. He is missed, and my boys were heartbroken when we let them know that Jim had passed away.
He would always speak excitedly about going to the VFW on Fridays to have some beers and wished the kid’s buckeroo bucks could be used towards his cold drinks.
We will miss having him in our daily routine.
Thank you, Jim! The Wheeler Family
Debbie, Words can not express the sorrow we felt on hearing of your loss! Perry and I want to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family!
After Joey proposed to our daughter Tatiana, we were introduced to Jim and Debbie. It has been a blessing to have them a part of our family. Later after they were married we all went to Puerto Vallarta Mexico where Tatiana grew up as a child. It was clear Jim had a great spirit for adventure and loved to travel. We had a wonderful time exploring Mexico together.
Jim was a very dedicated Christian man who loved the Lord, his family, friends and fellow firemen.
We love you brother and will see you in our eternal home with the Lord in heaven.
Jim was an enabler. I know that word has taken on negative connotations over time, but to me, it’s someone who makes things possible. And Jim – Mr. D’Amico to me since I was 5 – made so many *good* things possible.
I’ve been best friends with Joey since kindergarten, which means I’ve known Mr. D’Amico through the eyes of a child, a teenager, and now an adult. I’ve learned that many others share similar perspectives through his roles as a firefighter, volunteer, and pillar of the community. My childhood memories are rich with time spent at their house – building forts in the surrounding woods, playing baseball in the front yard, roller hockey and basketball in the driveway, and endless games of ping-pong, pool, trumpet practice, and Nintendo in the basement. We’d even go sledding down their big hill when my parents could navigate the ice and snow to get to The Oaks. Looking back, I now understand that none of this happened by accident. Jim and Debbie had cultivated an environment that nurtured creativity, versatility, and curiosity in their boys – making every stick, bat, instrument, and tool available to us.
As an active church member and leader, his contributions were countless. His acts were clearly fruit of the Spirit, and that fruit enabled others to bear more of the same.
Jim enabled through action. He drove his kids to countless extracurriculars, transported hundreds of students on his bus routes, and made daily hour-long commutes to give Joey access to an elite high school experience. He made a career of saving lives as a firefighter and continued that service as a volunteer. He devoted thousands of hours to his church community, hoping to enable others to find Christ as their Savior. After knowing him for 35 years, I can say with certainty that you can’t help but be influenced by that kind of dedication.
And while he didn’t enable my beer drinking, he was certainly fun to share one with under the Charleston sun or during Maryland tailgates.
I witnessed Jim’s impact as his son’s childhood friend, but I can only imagine how far his influence spread – touching the lives of children on his bus routes, fellow church members, firefighting colleagues, dear friends, and his beloved family.
He prioritized quality and managed quantity too – all in Christ’s name. Many of us are grateful for his example of a Christian life well lived and well served in the name of the Father. Jim the enabler, and all of us, can rest in that.
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Debbie, Jay, Tony, Joey and family. We lost a dear family friend. Our son Michael and Joey continue to be best friends today.
Jim had a heart for service, a first responders heart, the heart of Christ. He was content in whatever he was doing, whether fire service, scouting, coaching, Lions Club, mission trips, bus driving, church suppers, helping a friend, or simply preparing roses for mothers, at church, on Mother’s Day.
During bible studies together for many years, we all had questions. The one question Jim did NOT struggle with was who his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is.
Jim & Debbie raised their family in the Lord, always seeking truth and goodness in all they did.
Jim’s presence will always be felt in the many lives he touched. We miss you our friend, and we will see you again.
Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Debbie and the family! Jim was one of the nicest people we had ever known. He was always so kind and stayed very busy. I know our children knew him as a busdriver. He would chat with them at church and was just a wonderful man. I remember him doing the elections and how he so enjoyed that. He just had a heart of gold and would do anything if someone were in need. He was always a busy guy with that big smile! God Bless your family as he will be surely missed. It just seems a couple months ago we were sitting and talking with both of you at the Steuart’s home. Our prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
This is how I will forever remember er Jimmy!
Debbie, my heart genuinely goes out to you, your sons, and family. Jimmy was always friendly and fun when we’d meet up at Steve’s gigs. My mom loved him along with the entire Carey family. I will be holding you in the Light as you are processing the shock and grief of his passing. Love Carole