James Paul Phelan Sr.

Born on December 11, 1931 in Uniontown, PA, he was the son of the late Paul Regis Phelan and Margaret Evelyn (Morris) Phelan. Jim’s family moved from Uniontown to the Pimlico area of Baltimore City when he was eight years old. He attended St. Jerome’s Catholic school where he received a national penmanship award. He completed the A (Honors) Course of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Poly) and graduated in 1951. He was incredibly grateful for the education he received at Poly where he played football and was on the school wrestling team. His Poly ring was one of his most prized possessions. He wore it every day until his passing and was thrilled when it caught the attention of others. Jim would proudly recount his fond memories of his Poly experiences which resonated with him throughout his lifetime.

Upon graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1951 and began his service at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM. It is there that he met the love of his life, Rose M. DeStefano of Brooklyn, NY. Rose was an Air Force Airman 3rd Class. Jim and Rose were married in Baltimore, MD, on August 15, 1952.

Soon after marrying Rose, Jim was deployed to Korea and worked as a communications specialist. He served his country in Korea until 1953. Upon returning to the U.S., Jim and Rose moved to St. Paul, MN where they started their family. During his service, Jim was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. He was Honorably Discharged from the US Air Force as a Staff Seargeant in December, 1955 after which he moved back to Baltimore.

Jim served as a patrolman in the Northern District for the Baltimore City Police Department from 1957-1968. He was a proud recipient of multiple award categories for expert marksmanship. He was also honored to serve with officer Steve Zabetakis who became his life- long best friend. Steve was such a good friend that Jim and Rose chose him to be the godfather to their youngest child, Marianne. After Jim’s distinguished service in the police department, he worked for the C&P Telephone Company (now Verizon). He began as a lineman climbing telephone poles and worked his way to the engineering section. He retired from the phone company in 1992.

Jim’s favorite pastime was spending time in his workshop fixing just about anything and creating Christmas nativity sets, dollhouses and many other woodworks. He enjoyed visits to Williamsburg, VA., Cacapon State Park, WV., and Gettysburg, PA. One of his favorite trips was to Ireland where he became immersed in his Irish heritage. Another favorite trip was in 2010 when he and Rose got to go back to Kirtland AFB, where they originally met.

Jim was gregarious and humorous and made friends wherever he went. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW and American Legion. During his later years, he was known at all the local shops in Sykesville. He was named the unofficial grandfather of The French Twist Café where he would visit daily to the delight of staff and patrons alike.

Jim’s family was the most important thing in his life. He would often tell people that he was a millionaire, which was typically met with inquisitive looks. He would go on to explain that he was rich beyond measure because of his loving wife and large family.

Jim is survived by his five children: Diane M. Rider and spouse Richard Rider, Jr. of Ormond Beach, FL; Rosemarie Phelan and spouse Melissa Gerstenhaber of Marriottsville, MD; James “Paul” Phelan Jr. and spouse Lori (Kearney) of Parkville, MD; Regis Leo Phelan and spouse Kathy (Heinz) of Odenton, MD.; and Marianne Martinson and spouse Richard Martinson of Sykesville, MD.

Also surviving are his grandchildren: Brian Rider and spouse Nikki (Pichon) of Blairsville, GA; Tim Rider and partner Lindsay Melvin of Middle River, MD; Kelly (Rider) Galluzzi and spouse Sam Galluzzi of Palm Coast, FL; Katherine “Katie” Phelan of Riverview, FL; Meaghan Ross of Sykesville, MD; Gavin Ross of Chicago, IL.; and James Martinson and spouse Alex (Boukhvalova) of Potomac, MD.

Jim is survived by his great grandchildren Ella De Graff, Lucy Rider, Trent Miller, Reese Perfidio Rider, Logan Rider, Theodore Galuzzi, Anastasia Martinson, and Katya Martinson.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Rose, and brothers John “Jack” Phelan and Francis Leo Phelan. He is survived by his sister Patricia “Patt” Milanowski of Port St Lucie, FL; sister-in-law Josephine Schmitt of Pine Grove, PA.; and brother-in-law Lou DeStefano and spouse Susan of San Juan Capistrano, CA.

In their later years, both Jim and Rose lived at Lorien Encore at Turf Valley. For over 10 years, Encore’s staff provided exceptional assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, as well as personalized care and genuine love and compassion. Jim and Rose lived there together from 2014-2016 where Rose received care for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. After Rose passed away in 2016, Jim moved in with his youngest daughter and her family in nearby Sykesville. During that time, Jim visited Encore monthly to meet with staff, residents and friends while enjoying musical entertainment and other activities. In April, 2024 after suffering a stroke, Jim was enthusiastically welcomed back to Encore. The entire Phelan family is eternally grateful for the support, professionalism, dignity, comfort, and friendship expressed by the Encore team.

The family will celebrate a private service this Fall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s memory to several organizations that meant so much to him:

• Encore Turf Valley c/o Lou Grimmel

11150 Resort Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21042.

• Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Fund Inc.

3920 Buena Vista Ave., Baltimore, MD, 21211

EIN 52-2071331

Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Fund Inc.

• Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Foundation & Alumni Association

1400 W. Cold Spring Ln., Baltimore, MD 21209

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