James Robert Condon

James Robert Condon of Cambridge died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 28. Robert was born October 11, 1933. 

His childhood was spent growing up in the Hills Point area of the Neck District with his mother, Louise Hill Condon, father, George Washington Condon, and younger brother Thomas Edward Condon. Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing and playing baseball. During high school he was encouraged by Mr. Fred Lucas to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers as a catcher, and even though the tryout went very well, he did not pursue that for various reasons. 

Shortly after graduating from Cambridge High School in 1951, Robert joined the Maryland National Guard with a few of his friends. He was assigned to the 29th Division Infantry, where he learned infantry tactics and specialized with the bazooka, and he separated from the Guard in 1958. While serving in the Guard, he worked at Cambridge Wirecloth Co. as a welder and eventually as an inside salesman. Robert honed, and used his skills to install, service and troubleshoot metal conveyor belts in many food production facilities throughout the country. Outside of work, he designed and built his own 42’ workboat, the ‘CRAB’, with the help of his father and guidance from his good friend Gene Travers. After 25 years with Wirecloth, Robert commissioned the CRAB to work on the water, crabbing and tonging. During this time, he created his own design and started to build tong heads, that to this day are highly sought after. He was well known as the maker of the best tong heads around. Robert also worked with several other fabrication businesses throughout his life. 

In 2019 Robert contracted Vibrio from a crab pot. After doctors tried very hard to save it, they had to amputate his right leg. He spent many weeks at Shock Trauma in Baltimore and rehab. After hard work, and because of his faith and love for life, he made a remarkable recovery and pressed on doing all the things he loved, including crabbing, fishing, cutting grass, fixing things and most of all sharing time with family and friends at “The Farm”. He was a real inspiration to everyone that knew him. 

Robert was a member if the American Legion Post 91, the VFW 7460 and the 29th Division Eastern Shore Post 88. 

Robert is survived by his loving children, Christopher Condon, Amy Condon (Rick Dixon), Robin Connolly (Mike) and Bill Condon (Angie), the mother of his children, Jeanette, and his loving, longtime companion, Elaine Horseman. He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud of. 

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Thomas Edward Condon. 

Robert generously donated his body to the Maryland State Anatomy Board as a donor. There will be a celebration of life scheduled in the future. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Zion UM Church Endowment Fund, 612 Locust Street, Cambridge, or Real Life Chapel, 403 Hollyday Street, Easton, 21601.