William James Kissner's Obituary
With great sorrow we must announce the passing of William James (Jim) Kissner of Frederick, Maryland. Jim died at the age of 83 on May 16th, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family, due to injuries suffered from a recent fall.
Jim was born March 19th, 1940, to Jean and Ralph on their farm outside of Friendsville in Western Maryland. Born without a lower right arm, Jim started life with a headwind, but also with the steely determination of a hard-working farmer. Determined to make a better life for himself, upon graduating from Northern High School in Garrett County, Jim moved to Washington DC in 1958. Jim learned drafting in technical school and although he encountered discrimination against the perceived disability of his one arm, he gained employment in the steel fabrication industry. Once working in the steel detailing trade, Jim made it his business to outwork any of his two-armed co-workers to prove his abilities and eventually gained a reputation that earned him outside work. This extra work allowed him to save in order to accomplish his dream of starting his own business. It was around this time that he met the love of his life, Suzanne Gaines (Kissner) who he would marry in 1967 and remain married to for 55 years until her death in 2022. In 1977 Jim co-founded Miscellaneous Metals, a business that continues to thrive today. Jim's success in business allowed him to travel the world and provide a life to his family that he could never have dreamed of as a young boy growing up on a farm. His business successes also included being a founder of Frederick County Bank.
Jim was also an avid snow skier, accomplished pilot, and golfer, but above all else he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife Sue and his brother Larry. He is survived by children Pamela Chambers and husband Winfield, Kevin Kissner and fiance Brenda, Mark Kissner and wife Kristen, and Melinda Bentz and husband Spanky. He was Pop-Pop to 12 grandchildren Chelsey Ponce, Chad and Alex Eckenrode, Noah and Kendall Kissner, Will, Bode and Cole Kissner, Cori Hogg, and Beck, Emma, and Faith Bentz, seven great grandchildren and his siblings Pat, Snooks, Jeanie, and Ed.
A private celebration of life ceremony will be held at his longtime family church, Brook Hill United Methodist in Yellow Springs, MD. Jim will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and many longtime employees.
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