James Edmund Sylvanus, age 93 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2023 with his children by his side.
Jim, son of Margaret Patterson Sylvanus and Henry Gilbert Sylvanus, was born on August 30, 1930, and raised in Wilmington, graduating from PS duPont High School (1948) and the Augusta Military Academy (1949). He enjoyed lifelong friendships with many high school friends, known as “The 34th Street Gang”. Jim continued his education at the University of Maryland as a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation from college, he served a 2-year commitment in the US Army, stationed in Heidelberg, Germany.
He then began his career with the DuPont Company, which spanned 37 years in Titanium Dioxide production. This involved moving from Wilmington to Camden, Tennessee, Antioch, California, back to Wilmington again, and finally, to Taipei, Taiwan when he was briefly called out of retirement. During the course of his career, he participated in 7 plant start-ups, and developed yet another group of lifelong friends.
Jim met Leslie Tozier at a wedding in 1956, which sparked a whirlwind courtship and their marriage a year later. The young couple and their growing family moved across the country due to Jim’s transfers with the DuPont Company, finally ending back in Wilmington. After retirement, they lived in the Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, Maryland, followed by a move to Lewes, Delaware at The Moorings, a continuing care community. In retirement, Jim and Leslie enjoyed a vigorous social life and world-wide travel, including many Elderhostel trips with their grandchildren. Jim was also an avid golfer, and sports enthusiast with special interest in the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, and the University of Maryland football and basketball teams. Go Terps!
Along with his parents, Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Leslie in March 2022, after 65 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his sister Nancy Ennis. He is survived by his daughter Amy S. Coogan (Kevin) and his son David G. Sylvanus (Maria). Survivors also include grandchildren Catherine Coogan (Jay Hobbs), Anna Coogan (Robin Pyle), Joseph Coogan (Kelsey), Lillian Coogan, Monica Sylvanus, and step-granddaughter Mary Green, as well as 2 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise Senior Living for their excellent care while Jim was in residence.
Funeral services are private.
As Jim was a devoted dog lover, donations may be sent to Humane Animal Partners of Delaware.
