CLAYTON - James W. Maurer, Sr. passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, Oct. 15, 2012. He was under the care of Compassionate Care Hospice, his loving wife, and family. James was born Sept. 30, 1940, in Syracuse, N.Y., the son of the late Cameron and Dorothy Maurer. He grew up in Syracuse and in Lorton, Va. with his parents. He later moved to Federalsburg, Md. to work with his father at their garage doing automotive work. He went on to work for Seaford Machinery Works for many years. From there, James went on to work for General Foods in Dover, Del. where he met his loving wife. He gave General Foods 33 years of service from 1964 to his retirement in 1997. Mr. Maurer was a member of the UFCW Local #56 as a Union Counselor, Chief Steward, and Executive. He was also a member of the NRA since 1997. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jennie; eight children; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. James enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, and working on automobiles and around the house. Spending time with his family was always a great joy to him, along with taking trips to Tennessee. His smile and tender heart will always be remembered. It breaks our hearts to lose him, but he did not go alone; for a part of us all went with him when God called him home. A viewing will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main St., in Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 1 pm. Burial will be privately held. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in his memory to Compassionate Care Hospice, 702-B Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19805. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.