James Christ

James Patrick Christ from Laurel MD age 60 died May 21, 2019 after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Jim is preceded in death by Uncle Henry Sullivan and Aunt Marcella, Uncle William Sullivan, and Aunt Louise Fish. He is survived by his wife Carol Hamelink, parents Francis Michael and Florence Mary Christ, his siblings F. Michael Christ and wife Chun Li and children Miranda and Oriana; Patricia Christ and children Michael Naghshineh and wife Alma Solis, Sarah and husband Barish Erarslan, and Alice Naghshineh; Karen Christ and husband Richard Ackman; Mary Christ and husband Philip Yosowitz; Aunt Maureen and Uncle Al Koseff; and Uncle Don Fish. Jim received a B.S. degree in electrical engineering and one in mathematics, an M.S. degree in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1987. He then joined the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory where he worked on naval warfare research. During Jim’s 31-year career at APL, he made numerous substantial contributions to the defense of our nation. Jim was a recognized national expert in image and signal processing and computer systems and applications. Jim was among the fortunate few to work in a field that was truly his passion. He was known among his colleagues as Google before there was Google. He was most recently awarded the coveted and honorable title of “Tomahawker” by the eternal association of Tomahawkers. Navy Captain Paul “Bones” Mitchell, Tomahawk Program Manager recently commented, “Jim was an exceptional patriot of the rarest of breeds, and a truly great American - and a great friend to many of us. He unfailingly exemplified the utmost unwavering and unstoppable spirit, energy, dedication, heart, and enduring passion even in the face of personal hardship in support of his friends, his team mates, the warfighter, and our great nation. He leaves a great void - and also an undeniable legacy.” He will truly be missed. Jim loved to be outdoors playing volleyball, bicycling, windsurfing, and whitewater rafting. He was a voracious reader, devouring anything and everything. Services will be held Wednesday May 29 at 10:30 at St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church of Laurel, 114 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD 20707. A reception celebrating his life will follow at The Kings Contrivance Restaurant, 10150 Shaker Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Cancer Institute or the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the NIH.