JAMES C. FLETCHER (May 20, 1934-June 28, 1994) was born to James Sr. and Marguerite Fletcher and was the eldest of nine children. He attended the Bowie Demonstration School, Fletcherstown School, Lincoln Elementary, Armstrong Senior High School, Howard University and the American University. Mr. Fletcher served four years in the United States Air Force. After his service in the military, he began a career with the Federal Government as a computer specialist and retired as a Management Information Specialist.

Since the early 1960's until his death, Mr. Fletcher was active in community service in Prince George's County. He was the Chairman of the Glenarden Recreation Council and President of the Civic Association. He was the Ward I Councilman for nine years prior to becoming Mayor of Glenarden, MD. He served three terms as Mayor and ran successfully for the Prince George's County Council in 1990 and was about to announce his bid for re-election. Mr. Fletcher's passions were community development, balanced affordable housing, economic empowerment and revitalization. He served as Chairman of the Public Safety and Health Committee and the Prince George's Board of Services, a member of the County Council's Fiscal Policy and Government Operations Committee, the Legislative Committee, and the Prince George's Board of Social Services.

Other memberships include the Prince George's Municipal Association and the Public Safety Committee of the Metropolitan Council of Governments. He chaired the Prince George's County Substance Abuse Council and co-chaired the County's Revitalization Task Force. He was the past president of the Prince George's Municipal Association and former member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Municipal League. Mr. Fletcher also had membership in the Maryland Association of Counties and the National Association of Counties. He was also a member of the American Legion, Glenarden Post # 275.

Mr. Fletcher was a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He served as an usher, a moderator of the youth ministry and was on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Youth Organization. He was also a member of the Men's Club.

Mr. Fletcher was a devoted family man. He married Vernell Hammett and they and their two eldest children settled in Glenarden, Maryland in 1962. He was always available for whomever needed him. His constituents and friends knew that they always had someone who would listen and care.*

At his passing, Mr. James C. Fletcher is survived by his wife Vernell, daughters Carol and Andrea; four grandchildren, Eric, Khary, Christian and Angelic. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, daughter-in-law and two sons-in-law. His son, Anthony, is preceded him in death. Other family members include eight siblings, Margaret, Austin, Barbara, David, Paul, Joan, Linda and Brenda a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, devoted aunts Florence Clark and Lucy Shelton; long time friends, Paul Orr and William Hill, many childhood and golfing friends and many others.

Jim was first a Christian and second a philanthropist. Whether with his family, or in a professional setting, Mr. Fletcher loved people. Next to God, he loved people second. People were his most important business.

**submitted by Edmund Gary of the James C. Fletcher, Jr. Council of the Knights of Columbus

NOTES

* from the 1995 Charter Night program, page

** from the Investiture of Officers 2000-2001 program, page 1