The Honorable James B. Sarsfield

James B. Sarsfield, 76, of Kensington, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, at home surrounded by his wife and three children.

James was born on January 21, 1949 in Washington, DC, the distant last of five children to his Irish immigrant parents, Matthew and Julia (Audley) Sarsfield. He grew up roaming the streets of Glover Park playing sports and getting into mischief with friends. After attending grammar school at Holy Trinity Parish, he went to St. John’s College High School, where he established many lifelong friendships and his never-ending love for the scarlet and grey. He attended college at Georgetown University, where he studied economics, furthered his love of watching college basketball, and most importantly met his beloved wife of 52 years.

After college he attended law school at The Catholic University of America, which led to his first and one of his favorite jobs as law clerk for Judge Joseph Hannon, Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He then began a 20 year career in civil litigation as a partner at Hamilton and Hamilton, the oldest law firm in Washington, D.C. Some of his favorite clients included The Catholic University of America and railroads such as Conrail and Norfolk Southern. He subsequently moved his practice to O’Connell, O’Connell, and Sarsfield in Rockville. The pinnacle of his career came in 2006, when he was appointed District Court Judge of Montgomery County, his favorite job ever. He presided with compassion and humility, and he spent every day that he was on the bench appreciating the privilege that it was to serve the citizens of Montgomery County.

Although he had many professional successes, his favorite roles were that of husband, father, and grandfather. In that respect, he hit it out of the park. He loved big family vacations in Rehoboth Beach and playing golf with his friends and son. His grandchildren knew Pa as the ultimate instigator of fun and mischief. He showed his children and grandchildren how to live a full and meaningful life. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, understated humility, and gentle wisdom.

James is survived by his wife, Eileen, his three children, Kathleen Craft (Matthew), Julia Merti (Joshua), Daniel Sarsfield (Emily), his five grandchildren, Madeline, Isabel, Ryan, Daniel, and Andrew, his sister Mary Ann McCormick (Michael), and a large extended family of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Catherine Baker and brothers, Matthew and John Sarsfield.

An Evening Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 9705 Summit Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 9705 Summit Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895. Interment will occur Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (http://support.pancan.org/goto/James_Sarsfield) or St. John’s College High School (https://www.stjohnschs.org/support/make-a-gift).