James "Jimmy" Jarboe, Sr.

August 15, 1938 – September 10, 2022

James E. “Jimmy” Jarboe, former fire chief and 65-year life member of the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department, passed away after a brief illness on September 10, 2022 in Bethesda, Maryland at the age of 84. Chief Jarboe, who retired as fire chief in 2008, joined the fire department in 1956. At the time of his passing, he was the only member in the history of Takoma Park Fire Department to hold every rank – Private First Class, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief and Fire Chief.

In 1959, Chief Jarboe was hired as a career firefighter with the City of Takoma Park, a career that spanned nearly 30 years. Following his retirement in 1988, he continued serving the department as a volunteer and as a recognized state and national leader in public safety education. Chief Jarboe was awarded the Firefighter of the Year honor in 1993 by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.

Together, with his late father, AJ, and deceased brothers John, William, Robert and Theodore, they combined for nearly 150 years of service with the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department.

Throughout his career, Chief Jarboe received many awards and accolades for his innovative approach to teaching fire and injury safety to both the young and the old. In 2004, Jimmy was named to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame and recipient of the Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award in recognition of his devotion to public safety. In his “spare” time, Chief Jarboe served on many state and county fire safety committees as well as the City of Takoma Park Independence Day committee. He loved to interact with children and adults, especially during his many years of volunteer service at the Montgomery County Fair.

Chief Jarboe was also a life member and officer with the Takoma Park Lions Club, where he coordinated the club’s participation in the annual Halloween parade, Thanksgiving Day meals for families, and the Toys of Tots program.

James Jarboe was born and raised in Takoma Park, Maryland and graduated from Montgomery Blair High School. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara and son, James E. Jarboe, Jr.

A visitation for Jimmy will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. A funeral service will occur Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. A committal service and burial will occur Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, Maryland 20722.