Remembrance of James Drake Iams

James Drake Iams- born in 1927 in Indiana, PA- had a talent for art recognized in his early childhood by his mother, Lucile. She encouraged him to enter local juried art shows where adults were submitting their own work. His father- Merrill- was a professor at the local college so it should be of little surprise that James became a lifelong artist and teacher. He passed away August 29 at his home at Mercy Ridge in Timonium not far from where he lived and painted for decades with his wife of 64 years, Barbara Boyce Iams, who predeceased him in 2019.

James began his teaching career in Baltimore County where the region and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay provided him ample landscape and seascape scenes for the canvases for which he would become known. His teaching career was quickly interrupted when drafted into the Army. James served in Korea in 1952 in a Headquarters Company where his sketching skills were applied to battalion operations, for which he earned a Commendation Ribbon with Pendant for Meritorious Achievement.

James returned to Baltimore County where he resumed teaching and painting, beginning his tenure at Towson High School which lasted through 1982. He married Barbara in 1955, spent time sailing the bay, earned a Master’s of Education (Pennsylvania State University) and a Master of Fine Arts (Maryland Institute College of Art) and raised two children- Helen and Richard- while consistently producing art and teaching others throughout the years. Summers in Rehoboth Beach, DE- which began as family vacations from his hometown Indiana- provided additional scenery and ways to enjoy the summer season when school was not in session.

Retirement brought even more time to paint and develop a joy for travel via cruise ship. James and Barbara managed to see many destinations this way- and he even taught crafts for some cruises as part of their at-sea activities for passengers. His creative legacy includes publication of several books about the Bay and how to paint it with watercolors, membership in several art associations and features in art journals and newspapers.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Center, Timonium, MD on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 4 PM to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an arts/art education organization or animal shelter/rescue organization of your choice in James's memory.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.peacefulalternatives.com