James Reed Michael Kean

James “Jim” Reed Michael Kean, 84, of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025 at 11:00pm. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jim will be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, gentle spirit, passion for the outdoors and unwavering love for his family.

Born in Camden, NJ, on March 15, 1941, Jim moved with his family to Annapolis at the age of seven. Growing up on the South River, he developed a lifelong passion for fishing and boating—interests that shaped his happiest days and brought him great joy throughout his life. His final fishing excursion was as recent as June 2025, a testament to his fitness, adventurous spirit, appreciation for the simple things in life, and lifelong love for sport fishing.

After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis, Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy for two years as a Radar Specialist, primarily stationed in the North Atlantic. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career in construction before shifting paths to architecture, drawing on his natural artistic and drafting talents, skills inspired by his father.

Jim’s professional journey began at Tech Fab in Beltsville, MD, and continued with architectural roles at Marriott Corporation, a precast concrete company, Design and Development, and L2M, where he retired in April 2007. Colleagues and friends alike admired his creativity, precision, and dedication.

Jim was a family man. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Kean; his daughter, Erika Kean Brown (husband Gareth) and grandchildren, Sylvan and Tyler; his son, Michael Reed Kean, and grandchildren Riley, Sydney, and Fletcher; and his stepson, Michael Patrick Allen (wife Lisa Myers) and grandchildren Teddy, Nick, and Carly. He is also survived by his sister, Anne Kean Martin (husband John), nieces Kristen Bell Goodell and Beth Bell, nephew David Bell II, and their children, and step nephews, Kip and Ked Martin.

Beyond his work and family, Jim found great joy in sportfishing and power boating. He spent countless cherished hours fishing the Chesapeake River, Delaware River, and the Maryland/Delaware shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Known also for his skill at the pool table, he was a formidable “pool shark” who was always ready for a good game—and a good laugh.

Jim’s life was a beautiful blend of devotion, humor, and generosity of spirit. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the American Sportfishing Association or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Web: https://secure.cbf.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1502&mfc_pref=T&1502.donation=form1&s_src=00M9MEMACQMEMA