James Michael Ware Sr.

He attended District of Columbia Public Schools and graduated from McKinley Tech High School in 1967. Michael began his career at the U.S. Department of the Treasury shortly after high school and then worked at the United States Government Printing Office (GPO). He later moved to Montgomery County, Maryland, where he was employed by Villa Beer and Wine and developed many meaningful friendships. He also worked for the Montgomery County Government as a Ride-On bus driver. He ultimately retired from the United States Postal Service in 2005. He wasn’t the type of person who liked to keep still and found several part-time jobs along the way. In 2010, he began working at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Bladensburg, MD, where he remained employed until his passing.

Michael had a personality larger than life. He was a die-hard Redskins fan, loved to play cards, and was an avid bowler. He loved his family and especially adored his grandchildren. He always called his children and grandchildren back-to-back; if they didn’t answer, he would leave a message and let everyone else know that he called. Everywhere he went, he knew someone or would gain a new friend just by sparking up a conversation. He also loved to watch golf and old Western movies.

He was a dedicated Mason and his many accomplishments included:

• Member of Corinthian Lodge No. 18

• Worshipful Master of Corinthian Lodge No. 18 (1999-2001)

• Appointed to the position of Assistant Grand Inspector in 2003

• Elected to the position of Right Worshipful Grand Trustee

• 32nd Degree Mason of the Jonathan Davis Consistory #1

• Elevated to 33rd degree Mason in the United Supreme Council

• Member of Mecca Temple No. 10 Prince Hall Shriners

• Royal Arch Mason

• Royal and Select Mason

• Active member of the AEAONMS

Between the years of 2006-2008, Michael worked with a mental health organization that counseled children from Washington, DC to Fairfax County, Virginia. He was also the Deputy Director of the Shriners Mentoring Program, where he mentored in the D.C. public schools system and received numerous awards as a mentor. Over the last 10 years, he worked with various organizations to provide turkeys and food for families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. He and members of the organization, traveled up and down the East Coast working as mentors for the orient that were unable to come to the various conferences for mentoring children.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mattie Brice, and a brother, Thomas "Bubby" Brice. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 47 years, Rochelle "Shelley"; three children, James Michael Ware, Jr. (Michon), Tamara Maldonado (Edward), and Troy Michael Ware; nine grandchildren, Mache’ Ware, Tiffany Maldonado, Jasmin Maldonado, Tiana Ware, Tyrique Ware, Christian Maldonado, Joseph Maldonado, Bryson Ware, and Jurnee Ware, and Tia Jones, who was like a daughter to him; a brother, Allan Waters; two sisters, Elizabeth Brown and Judy McClain-El, along with numerous other relatives and friends.

"A Poem to honor our Granddaddy"

His Journey's Just Begun

(by Ellen Brenneman)

Don't think of him as gone away

his journey's just begun,

life holds so many facets

this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

from the sorrows and the tears

in a place of warmth and comfort

where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away.

And think of him as living

in the hearts of those he touched...

for nothing loved is ever lost

and HE WAS LOVED SO MUCH.

We love you Granddaddy!

Visitation on Friday, November 16 from 12:30 p.m. until time of Memorial Service, 1:30 p.m. at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722.