James Joseph Ortiz, of Cumberland, with courage and faith, went home to God on May 1, 2020. Born on May 9, 1932, he was the son of the late Joseph Roman Ortiz and Josephine (Rizzo) Ortiz. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores (Thomas) Ortiz, his son David and wife Rebecca Ortiz, daughter Kathy and husband Damon Hostetter, son Patrick Ortiz, and brother Ronald and wife Lucy Ortiz. Jim is also survived by five loving grandchildren. Jim served in the United States Navy and attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Engineering. He then attended Frostburg State University where he received a Masters Degree in Business Administration. His career included work at Allegany Ballistics Laboratories and tire testing at Kelly Springfield Tire Company where he retired as Director of Development. He was also involved with ice testing for the Johnstown ice arena. Jim loved life and contributed unselfishly every day to his family, his friends and everyone in the community. He touched the lives of many through his heartfelt involvement and service activities. He was a member of the Alhambra Caravan 89 and the Knights of Columbus 586. He served as a Trustee at Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University. He was a member of the Allegany County Liquor Board of Commissioners, served for 18 years as president of South Cumberland Business & Civic Association, a former board member of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, an Advisory Board member of the Salvation Army as well as the Algonquin Care Center. Jim was a member and past president of the Cumberland Engineers Club, and was a member and board member of the Salvation Army. He was fondly remembered for his portrayal each year, in full costume, of Christopher Columbus at the Christopher Columbus Festival. He would visit elementary schools to share history each Columbus Day with the students. Jim served each year as a judge for the Halloween Mummers contest and organized the fun fair in honor of Jim Scarpelli Sr., one of the founders. Gov. Martin O'Malley was the first governor to attend the Halloween parade at the invitation of Jim. Jim was an avid golfer, skier and runner having completed the Marine Corps Marathon in earlier years. He was selected for the Small Garden Club award by the Cumberland Garden Club and for the Community Leadership Award by the Woodman of the World. Active in the political arena, Jim was former elected chairman of the Democratic Central Committee and campaigned for national, state and local candidates. He was involved in the management of various elections including former Governor Donald Schaefer, Governor Harry Hughes, Maryland Senator Ben Cardin and various other prominent political leaders. He was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains parish where he served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister and choir member. He was preceded in death by his sister, Florence Birardi, and his brother, Richard Ortiz. Those wishing to honor Jim's memory may do so by sending contributions to Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, 300 E Oldtown Road Ste #2, Cumberland, MD 21502. Arrangements are being made by Scarpelli Funeral Home. Due to the current health crisis, all services will be private. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left at www.ScarpelliFH.com