James Russell Snyder

James Russell Snyder, of Newtown Square, PA, died on February 19, 2024, due to complications after a long illness. Born on August 14, 1938, he was the son of the late Russell Harris and Mildred Elizabeth Snyder, and was preceded in death in 2008 by his beloved wife of 49 years, Ann (Norris). Jim was the treasured father of his daughter Lynda Stokes (Jay) of Medford, NJ, along with their children Brianna, Amanda, and Jay R.; and his son Doug Snyder (Kim) of McDonough, NY, along with their children Zack, Malaki, and Abigail. Though he has passed on, Jim's legacy continues through his family and cousins, dear friends, and wonderful business associates who will forever cherish his memory.

Jim was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. He graduated high school from Baltimore City College in 1956 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1960. He would further his education with a Master of Business Administration in marketing from Drexel University in 1966. During his time at Georgia Tech, Jim was also involved in activities including the Georgia Tech radio station, the Society of American Military Engineers, and Army ROTC. His leadership qualities shone brightly as he served as president of his Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity in his senior year. He maintained a close lifelong bond with many of his fraternity brothers.

In the summer of 1959, before his senior year at Georgia Tech, Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Ann. Upon graduation he was commissioned in the Army. He then began his professional career at SmithKline Pharmaceuticals in the summer of 1960, where he remained until retirement. There he eventually become the Associate Director of International Administration and Finance. Jim served active duty with the Army 178 Engineer Company in Carlsrue, Germany, from 1961 to 1963. As a young man, he had also served in the Ground Observer Corps while still in Baltimore, as the world recovered from WWII. He shared fond memories of climbing the tower at Baltimore City College with his radio club friends.

After his service in Germany, Jim and Ann settled in the Philadelphia area, purchasing their home in Springfield, Pennsylvania. In addition to his work at SmithKline, Jim became an integral part of the community, and their home was truly a hub of activity. In 1969, Jim co-founded the Project Management Institute with several friends, and this organization became his lifelong passion. He remained actively involved with this now international organization and contributed to its growth even throughout his health challenges of recent years. Jim is known to many in the PMI community as ‘The Father of PMI’. He and Ann were also very supportive of their children’s activities and were often found helping at fundraising events for band and orchestra, and others, in the Springfield School District. Jim enjoyed taking his family on trips and vacations in the United States and abroad, often tying in work with this pleasure. He became an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, assisting with committees and projects, remaining so even until recently.

Jim's interests were as varied as they were rich. From childhood times with his hard-working parents and their treasured vacations with extended family and friends on the Chesapeake Bay and in Ocean City, Maryland, to his adult years traveling the world, Jim embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed art, music, and photography, and relished in sightseeing and dining with his friends around the world. A lover of home projects, Jim took pride in caring for his home's lawn and gardens, and he was also fond of woodworking and trains. He loved to barbeque and in warm months could often be found in the evening relaxing by his grill. His family will cherish his teachings on all these subjects.

In recent years, Jim enjoyed his time spent at his Ocean City, New Jersey home with his family and their pets. Known for his friendly demeanor, he could often be found sitting in the sun conversing with neighbors and passersby from his front porch. His pursuit of adventure continued as he met his goal of visiting every lighthouse in New Jersey. Jim had moved from his home in Springfield to Dunwoody Village in 2020, where he quickly became part of the community, making new friends as he adjusted to his new surroundings. He remained a devoted grandfather in these later years, often found in NJ at his grandchildren’s school, music, and sports activities, always encouraging their growth and pursuits.

Jim Snyder was a man who throughout his life did his best to leave places and situations better than he found them. Jim showed us how to live courageously in the face of illness. He was a man whose faith helped him persevere and the assurance of Heaven gave him great comfort. He was brave and determined and was an example of how to live life and how to finish well. Jim will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew him.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Springfield, PA on Saturday, March 9,2024. Relatives and friends may call from 9-12, service to follow at 12. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Jim's favorite organizations: 

St Matthew Lutheran Church

Baltimore City College

Georgia Technical Institute of Technology

Drexel University

Bucknell University

PMI Educational Foundation