Cover photo for James Franklin Trail's Obituary
James Franklin Trail Profile Photo

James Franklin Trail

October 7, 1938 — December 23, 2023

James Franklin Trail

James Franklin Trail or “Jim” as many knew him by, passed away peacefully at home in Maryland, with family by his side, on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the age of 85.  


Born Friday, October 7, 1938, in Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of the late Huey James and Thelma Elizabeth Barnhart Trail.


James graduated from Southern Fulton High School, Class of 1959, and then entered the United States Army in 1960, performing duties as a Sharpshooter.  He was honorably discharged in 1966 after serving for 6 years. 


He was a long-time member of Moose Lodge #1483 in Berkeley Springs, WV.


He was a dedicated employee at The Londontown plants in Hancock, Hagerstown, and Boonsboro Md. for 29 years.  He then dedicated 13+ years to Rayloc in Hancock, MD. and finally retired in 2008 at the age of 71.


James was very active outside of work and amassed many friends and acquaintances through his hobbies and interests.  First, in his early years as an avid baseball card collector and throughout his remaining life as an exceptional bowler, a great hunter, and an antique connoisseur and collector of many things like old records and glassware, including his precious Peanut Butter Glasses. 


In addition to his parents, James was pre-deceased by his wife of 35 years, Mary Lou (Thompson) Trail, his sister, Mary Jane Munson and brother, William (Bill) W. Trail.  


James is survived by three daughters, Cathy (Trail) Baker and husband, John, of Baltimore, MD., Jamie (Trail) Carr and husband, Russell, of Berkeley Springs, WV., and Carol Ann Trail and fiancé, Luke Feitner, of Hagerstown, MD.; two sons, James W. Trail of Hedgesville, WV. and Michael S. Trail, fiancé, Darlene Gladhill, of McConnellsburg, PA.; grandchildren Shannon Baker, and fiancé, Joshua Haynes, Jonathan Baker, Brandon Carr, Aaron Carr, James W. Trail II, and wife, Stephanie, Jordan Trail, and wife, Leah, Jared Trail, Kenneth Trail, and fiancé, Chelsea Smiley, Evelyn Golden, Kevaya Trail and Electra Trail; great-grandchildren, Danielle Brooks, Austin Brooks, Isabella Brooks, Arielle Haynes, Presley Carr, Brynlea Trail, Daylen Trail, Kaidence Trail, Ayrihanna Trail, Blanden Trail, Charlie James Trail; and many nieces & nephews.  


The family welcomes all to services being held at the Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, 141 West Main St., Hancock Maryland. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, 5-8 pm. Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, Tollgate Ridge Road, Hancock, MD. Pastor Dick Voorhaar will officiate. Military Honors to be performed by The Tristate Honor Guard.


Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, 141 West Main St., Hancock, MD. Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.grfuneralhome.net.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Franklin Trail, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, January 4, 2024

5:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, P.A.

141 West Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750

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Funeral Service

Friday, January 5, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, P.A.

141 West Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Friday, January 5, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

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