May 1st, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Jim Ortiz, who served as president of the South Cumberland Business and Civic Association for many years and who was active for the Democratic party in Allegany County, has passed away.  During his term in office, Ortiz promoted many improvements and activities, including obtaining funds for new lamp posts and Christmas lights on Virginia Avenue. Membership was increased and the pavilion and grounds at Smith Park, where the judging of the Halloween mummers is held prior to the start of the parade, were refurbished.  Active in both the community and the political arena, Ortiz campaignec for national, state and local candidates. His community involvement included: member of the Board of Trustees at Frostburg State University and Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission. He served as president of the Engineers Club, chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee, chairman of the Allegany County Board of License Commissioners and board member of the Kensington and Maryland Association of Community Colleges. During the years of the Christopher Columbus Festival held at Smith Park, Ortiz portrayed Columbus in full costume and would also visit local elementary schools to share history with the students on Columbus Day. Ortiz was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Alhambra Wamba Caravan 89, Democrat Club and the South Cumberland Business and Civic Association. He also served  on the board of the Salvation Army and the Allegany College of Maryland Board of Trustees as well as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Allegany County Career and Technical Education Center.  A member of Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, he served as a lector, eucharistic minister and choir member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  A retiree as manager of the Kelly-Springfield tire testing department, he was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and had a master’s degree in business administration from Frostburg State University.

Jim is survived by his wife Dolores Ortiz and three children.

The Scarpelli Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements