James (Jim) Franklin Lathan was born August 12, 1942 in Yonkers NY and died of a broken heart on April 9, 2021 at the age of 78. His beloved wife of 55 years, Janet Rhodes Lathan, had died of COVID complications 30 days earlier on March 10, 2021. Jim's body was donated through the Anatomy Gifts Registry to support medical research advancements that will impact the lives of future generations for decades to come.
Jim is survived by his sister Kay Leone (Bryan Leone); brother-in-law, John Rhodes (Shonan Noronha); his four children - Dr. Corinna Lathan (David Kubalak), Catherine Fox-Hoffmaster (Anthony Hoffmaster), Kenneth Lathan (Jennifer Lathan), and Allyssa Lathan; his six grandchildren - Lindsey and Eliza Lathan-Kubalak, John, Matthew, and Faith Fox, and Alexander Lathan; and his nieces and nephews Emily Leone, Tim Leone, Laura Woollett, and Gabriel Rhodes. Jim was predeceased by his beloved sister Elizabeth (Betty) Woollett who died of COVID May 4, 2020.
Jim loved his family first and foremost but also the theatre, opera, and science fiction. Jim was a life-long educator whether through developing and selling math curriculum with Janet through their business Alpha+; Teaching high school English in Prince George's County Maryland Public Schools; or Teaching at Montgomery College until he retired.
Jim was also dedicated to social action and public service and for two decades was a leader in Maryland including as the Executive Director of The Community Action Council of Western Maryland, which had been established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight America's War on Poverty and still exists to this day. In the 80's Jim served on the Governor's Commission on Shelter, Food, and Homeless and was awarded the Governor's Citation for Public Service.
For over 40 years, Jim and Janet have been part of Catholic Engaged Encounter, sharing their experiences for those preparing for marriage in the Catholic church. They were always together supporting each other, whether it was for a St. Anthony's Gospel Choir (Jim), or for a competition with Archbishop Carroll High School's robotics team (Janet).
Janet was also Jim's biggest fan at every theatre performance - Some highlights include playing the role of Tartuffe in Moliere's Tartuffe; Nick Bottom in Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream; Mayor Shinn in Meredith Wilson's The Music Man; and stealing the show as The Old Man in Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life in August. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice and please feel free to leave a story or memory below.
To access Janet's Online Memorial, please click the link:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/silver-spring-md/janet-lathan-10096206
