James B. McDermott, longtime owner of McDermott's "Don't Worry About It" Tavern in Texas, Baltimore County, and a member of the Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame, died of vascular disease Oct. 27 at Stella Maris Hospice in Timonium. He was 96.
A Sparks resident since 1990, Mr. McDermott was born and raised on Beaver Dam Road near the small community of Texas. He was one of 10 children. His father was a quarryman.
After attending Baltimore County public schools and the Baltimore Business College, he went to work in the marble quarries near Cockeysville.
After attending several amateur boxing matches in Riderwood during the early 1920s, Mr. McDermott decided to take up the sport. He had 25 amateur fights before turning pro in 1926. He ended his pro career after six fights.
In addition to boxing, he also played semi-pro baseball, competed in long-distance races, and enjoyed swimming at nearby Beaver Dam.
Mr. McDermott was inducted into the Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame in 1979, and was a member of the Veterans Boxing Association International Ring 101.
"He was a highly respected, quiet individual who never bragged," said Ray H. Leonard, a past president of the Veterans Boxing Association and also a member of the Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame.
"He did much to help others, especially those down on their luck. He also helped amateur boxing clubs when they needed help," said Mr. Leonard.
He went to work for Crown, Cork & Seal in East Baltimore as a machinist in 1937, where he worked until being drafted into the Army in 1940. He was discharged from the service one week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
He spent the war years in defense work, making machine-gun parts. In 1952, he left Crown Cork & Seal when he purchased McDermott's "Don't Worry About It" Tavern on Church Lane from his brother, Richard McDermott.
Also known as the "Smiling Irishman," Mr. McDermott, a lifelong bachelor, for many years lived above the white-painted tavern with red wood trim and big sign.
"One of the reasons I don't sell the place and retire is because I never have to worry about being lonely," he said in an interview in a newsletter published by the Veterans Boxing Association International Ring 101. "All I have to do is walk down the steps and I'm with all my friends."
In 1991, he closed the tavern, which was later torn down to make way for the construction of the Central Light Rail Line.
"Quarry workers and railroaders came in for his crab cakes, steamed crabs, burgers and homemade soup. He always did a big lunch business," said Will Bennett, a nephew, who lives in Parkton.
"He was a quiet man who liked people. He was always trying to help those in need, whether it was with a little cash, credit, or a listening ear," he said.
Mr. McDermott, who also had the sobriquet of the "Unofficial Mayor of Texas," enjoyed sipping a Rolling Rock, while making sure that no one disrupted the tranquillity of his bar.
"If someone created trouble, they were barred for a couple of weeks and were only allowed back in after offering an apology," said Mr. Bennett.
"He never sold draft beer, only bottled beer. He always drank those 7-ounce Rolling Rock ponies until his death. Maybe that's what kept him alive all these years," said his nephew.
"I took him to St. Joseph Medical Center and when the [patient] on the other side of the curtain heard his name, he said, 'Is that the McDermott of McDermott's tavern? If it is, I want him to know that I spent many a fine evening there,'" said Mr. Bennett.
He was also a well-known sponsor of soccer, softball, and bowling teams.
Mr. McDermott was a member of the Moose, Towson Elks Club and the American Legion.
Services were held Thursday.
Mr. McDermott is survived by a sister, Catherine Bennett of Sparks; and many nephews and nieces.