Once A Marine, Always a Marine

James C. Athanas, affectionately known as “Jim,” a retired USAID Foreign Service Officer, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 6, 2025. His wife, Nohemi, was holding his hand as he entered the presence of the Lord.

Born in Washington, D.C. to the late Louis Christ Athanas and Wanda Morriss Athanas, Jim led a life marked by service, adventure, and an unwavering commitment to his family and his country. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 23 years, Nohemi Athanas; his two sons, Nicholas and Christian Athanas; his three brothers and their families; his mother-in-law, Petrona Castillo and family; and his cousin James, and his wife Georgia Crassas, and their family.

Jim grew up in Maryland, attending Montgomery Hills Junior High School and Montgomery Blair High School. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly and honorably served during the Vietnam War. Throughout his life, Jim upheld the motto “Semper Fi,” and he often said, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” He was a true United States Marine who took the oath to defend the Constitution of the United States seriously.

After his military service, Jim continued his education, earning an associate degree from Miami Dade College in 1972 and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico, in 1974.

In the late 1970s, Jim worked as a radio announcer at WMJS Radio in Prince Frederick, MD, and at WGG Radio in Gainesville, FL, under the pseudonym “Jason Travis.” In 1984, Jim began his distinguished 30-year career with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He served in many countries, including several countries in West Africa, Eastern Europe, Honduras, Egypt, Nepal, Afghanistan, Mozambique, and Georgia. His colleagues and the countless individuals he worked with will always remember his dedication, professionalism, and the positive change he fostered.

Jim was a man of many passions, including skydiving, scuba diving, flying airplanes, horseback riding, motorcycle riding, and traveling. He cherished time spent with family and friends, exploring new cultures, and discovering the world. Recently, Jim and Nohemi relocated from Naples, Florida, to Westminster, MD, where they created a peaceful and fulfilling life together in their forever home.

Jim’s sudden passing leaves a deep and irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, father, and a man who embraced life to the fullest. His legacy of love, service, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He was a humanitarian who worked for the betterment of his fellow man, and his desire to help others and make the world a better place is cause of celebration and inspiration.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Westminster Baptist Church, 354 Crest Ln, Westminster, MD 21157, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The family will greet guests from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the service will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to Jim’s heart, as he was a long-time supporter.