James G. "Reds" Compton

James Grayson "Reds"Compton, 81 years old of Upperco, died of prostate cancer Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at his home.

Born December 28, 1927 in the Remington section of Baltimore, he was the son of the late Luen Norman Compton and Marie Alice McGee Compton.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eileen E. Gangi Compton.

A polio survivor, he contracted Polio at the age of 2 and attended William S. Baer School in Coppin Heights as well as school #56 in Hampden. He found his passion for coaching and leadership in his teens organizing the Remington Boxing Club and Remington Football League. Both the passion for the sports and the friends he made remained with him all his life. Mr. Compton married Eileen Gangi in 1951 and raised 4 daughters. In 1962 the family relocated to Reisterstown where he was an active volunteer in the community. He was instrumental in establishing a community swimming team in Country Club Estates and served as its coach for 9 years. He was awarded "Citizen of the Year Award" in 1969-1970 for his volunteer efforts. He was a retired Business Agent of Local 486 (formerly Steamfitters Local 438) and forty five year member of the UA Plumbers and Pipe fitters industry of the US. During his twelve years of service as a Business Agent for local 486 he was actively involved in Dollars against Diabetes and C.O.U.N.T. organizations and served as a Union Counselor, Executive Board Member and Charter Trustee of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 486 Benevolence Fund.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughters, Donna Headley of Upperco, Evelyn Compton-Padham of Oak Ridge, N.J., Patricia Compton of Baltimore and Eileen Compton-Little of Upperco, nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother and sister, Luen N. Compton and Doris Wessel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Monday, February 2, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Glyndon, 65 Sacred Heart Lane. Fr. Alphonse Rose officiating. Interment in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, 3-5 and 7-9 PM and Sunday from 2-5 PM at the Eckhardt Funeral Chapel P.A. 11605 Reisterstown Rd. Owings Mills.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. 1-800-757-CURE or

 www.prostatecancerfoundation.org 

Link to Mr. Compton's memorial page:

 http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=gpIVK4OxFjG&b=1497771&sid=guLWIeOVLhJSJ7MRIuF 


Online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com