John James Kilroy, Jr, 65, of Mechanicsville, MD passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021, at UM Charles Regional Medical Center in LaPlata, MD. He was born on March 18, 1956 in Flintstone, MD to Norma Jean Moyer and the late John James Kilroy, Sr.
Growing up in Flintstone, John helped with the local towing business. There, his grandfather nicknamed him Bam Bam, and he busted his way to make life great for all those he cared for. He was an adventurous, fun-loving, charismatic man who cherished his family above all. He worked hard to support his family, first as a drywall finisher and then as a mechanic. He worked mostly on Harley Davidson motorcycles but could fix any engine and was in high demand whenever someone heard a weird sound. He would say confidently “I have a plan,” and he always did; they just might not always have gone the way he’d thought they would.
John met the love of his life and best friend, Susan, when Amber and Scarlett were in middle school. They first got together as friends and dancing partners, enjoying country line dancing and two-stepping together, and quickly fell in love. They married on October 20, 2001. They have been married for over twenty years and raised their five crazy and wonderful children together.
John loved fast cars and speed, saying “life begins at 200 mph.” He was a fan of the racetrack, and never missed a chance to jump on his Harley to enjoy the scenery as it raced past. He was an active member of the DC Ramblers. He was also a regular volunteer for Southern Maryland Vacations 4 Vets and was a strong believer in giving back to veterans. John was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back and spend his last dollar to help you get back on your feet. Whether you knew him as John, Dad, Paw Paw, or Bam Bam, you knew a great man.
John is survived by his wife, Susan F. Kilroy of Mechanicsville, MD; children Amber L. Dent (Kevin) of Mechanicsville, MD, Scarlett F. Gragan of Mechanicsville, MD, Heather M. Kilroy Hall (Mike) of Great Mills, MD, and Joshua A. Gragan of Bel Alton, MD; grandchildren Danielle S. Wenk, Gavin D. Gray, Dorian M. Kilroy, Daisy E. Kilroy, Kyra B. Dent, Ashlynn R. Dent, John J. Kilroy, IV, Walker A. Bland, and Oliver J. Hall; and his mother, Norma Kilroy. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Kilroy (Heather) of Mechanicsville, MD and nephew Logan, as well as countless other loving friends and family. John was preceded in death by his father, John James Kilroy, Sr., son, John J. Kilroy III (Wendi), and Karen B. Kilroy.
The family will receive friends for John’s Celebration of Life on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mechanicsville Moose Lodge, 27636 Mechanicsville Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request you make a donation to Southern Maryland Vacations for Vets, 22673 Pops Way, California, MD 20619 ATTN: Connie Pennington.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com
All Arrangements have been made by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A.