James Wilson Rhea, Jr., 79, of Dickerson, MD, passed away on May 28, 2026.
James ("Jim/Jimmy") was the loving husband to Susan Rhea for over 33 years.
Born on August 23, 1946 to the late James Wilson Rhea, Sr. and Mae (Lutes) Rhea.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Montgomery County. He spent his first years in Takoma Park, and then moved with his family to Rockville. Later he relocated his home and business to Dickerson.
In addition to his family, Jim was passionate about his many friendships, dogs, cars and motorcycles. Professionally, Jim was an exceedingly talented machinist, and was universally known as an expert in his field.
Jim's love of motorcycles continued through his long time membership in the Antique Motorcycle Club, Chesapeake Chapter. He was also a proud member of the Ram Rods Car Club in Kensington, MD. He was a lifelong drag racing enthusiast and raced in his younger days. Over the years he received many awards from the drag racing community, who once referred to him as "drag racing royalty."
He enjoyed oldies music, and could tell you when songs from the 50's and 60's were recorded and what label they belonged to! His recall of the bygone days was exceptional.
Jim will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his family and all those who knew and loved him.
Along with his wife Susan, Jim was survived by his two children; Dawn Jacob (Brian), Philip Gardner (Kelly), 4 grandchildren; Sara Jacob (Blake Wilson), Dylan Jacob, Kiersten Gardner, Trevor Gardner, Sisters; Delores Snowden, Darlene Donaldson, brother; William "Billy" Rhea and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in August.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his remembrance to the Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue: https://magsr.org/donate
From: William Potter
Jimmy was a hot rodder's hot rodder. How many of you know someone that had their car in Hot Rod Magazine? Jimmy not only had his black '41 Willys gasser in HRM, but it was also a feature car back in the early 1970's. In the late 1960's Jimmy was inducted into the Ram Rods Car Club based in Silver Spring, MD. This legendary Hot Rod Club was also featured in HRM, and at the time he was the youngest member. Jimmy's allegiance to the Ram Rods ran deep-the only thing he loved more were his German Sheppard's. I met J. Rhea through a Cabin John buddy, Rocky Ford, who at the time was married to Jimmy's sister Darlene. Rocky knew that I was a machinist, and he told me that I needed to meet his brother-in-law. This was in 1978. Jimmy and I became fast friends and remained so for almost 40 years. Since we're talking brothers-in-law, a few years later I married Mike Sheridan's younger sister. Mike was one of Jimmy's car buddies at Wheaton H.S. who went on to become a rod & custom car show promoter, with Bob Larivee. It's a small Hot Rod world.
Jimmy quit his U.S.P.S. job delivering mail and moved into a small, rented shop in Olney to launch his fledgling machine shop business. He was one of legendary engine builder, Bill Coleman's protege's, who he kept in contact with until Bill's death a couple of years ago.
After Jimmy moved into a larger, more suitable shop in Rockville, he prospered because of his attention to detail and his willingness to work hard. In my opinion, those were the golden years. He loved his work so much that he mostly worked seven days a week, but he always reserved Friday night for fun. Back then, we usually went to Sheppard Park or the Bitter Lemon-mostly Sheppard Park, and of course other friends would join us, especially at the Lemon. We were usually "over served," as they say, but thankfully we always made it home-I guess someone was looking out for us.
Jimmy might not have been the fastest machinist, but he was the best and although I never worked for him, he taught me a lot over the years.
He had a memory like an elephant, and he never forgot a customer's name or the services he performed. Many of his customers became life-long friends and I feel grateful to have been one of them.
Rest easy my friend, none of us will ever forget you.
Bill Potter
From: Len Cottrell
Jimmy and I were best friends in the early 60’s when we were both members of the Ram Rods car club. We listened to 60’s music and built our supercharged coupes side by side in the Ram Rods shop. I have decades of stories to tell about him. He will be missed.
From: Jim Garrett
Jimmy was one of the most uniques characters to roam this planet. An amazing raconteur, loyal freiend and an endless font of knowledge. He could recount the days past of Rockville and bring Dub's Pizza and Ernie's Subs back to life. His shop was a museum and he was the curator. I belive that I waited the longest of any of his customers for him to rebuild a motor for me, over twenty years, but it was an honor. His knowledge of everything automotive was unfathomable. An endless well! A true friend who will be greatly missed.
From: Pam Lanouette
Jimmy was a terrific man, n I am glad to have know him. May he rest in peace and no longer suffer. Will miss him a lot! Hugs and prayers to the family
From: Frank Clavelli
Jimmy was one of the most uniques characters to Words cannot express how sad I am to have learned of Jimmy's passing. He was not only an excellent machinist but a very good friend. Like many others, over the last 50 years I spent countless hours with him in his shop while he worked on parts that I had brought him. We would talk about anything and everything. Our families, the engine I was working on, his latest dog, car magazines, politics, old songs, drag racing or some antiquated piece of equipment that he rescued before someone else junked it. He loved it all......and I enjoyed it too.
I will truly miss him. R.I.P Jimmy...
From: The Hilton Family
Our deepest condolences to your family.