James Gordon Topper

James (Jim) Gordon Topper, 82, of Frederick, MD, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 8, 2024 due to complications from a stroke. Jim is survived by his wife, of 59 years and love of his life, Diana (Potisek); his daughter, Melissa; his son, Gregory and daughter-in-law, Theresa; his grandchildren, Nicole and fiancé, Hunter, Ashley Kinna and husband, Willie, and Will; and his great-grandson, Leland Kinna. He is also survived by his brothers, Edward and William and his wife, Nancy; brother-in-law, Lou and sister-in-law, Susan Potisek; and three nephews and one niece, Stephanie Potisek Lee, her husband, Dave, and son, Caden. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Mary (Shrum) and Edward.

Jim was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania and spent his youth on a small farm in the coal mining country of western Pennsylvania with a horse named Scout. He raised cows, which he showed at the annual agricultural fair, garnering Reserve Champion one year. He went on to judge various livestock. Coal mining country is also where he met his wife, Diana, in their high school English class.

Jim paid his way for college through a co-op program with J&L Steel, graduating from The Pennsylvania State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering. He started his career working in the iron ore fields of Minnesota with J & L Steel. Starting in 1967, he began his 32-year career in the aggregate industry and held progressively responsible technical, management and executive positions with Martin Marietta in Pennsylvania and Rockville Crushed Stone in Maryland. Jim went on to become partial owner of Rockville Crushed Stone. In 1991, Jim founded Nova Materials, a construction materials company, with operations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and in Arkansas and Indiana.

Jim was active in the mining industry and his professional achievements were widely recognized. He served as Director and Treasurer of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association for over 20 years and was presented with Honorary Life Membership, along with the Wendt Award for commitment to the industry, community, and family in 2002. He was Chairman, Director, and Honorary Life Member of the Maryland Aggregates Association. For his outstanding employer support of the Army Reserve and National Guard, he was honored with the Pro Patria Medal. Jim was a member of Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Science’s Obelisk Society. For Penn State’s Centennial celebration in 1996, Jim was chosen as one of 100 Centennial Fellows. In honor of this award, a scholarship was established in his name for a mining engineering student in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

Jim loved his family dearly and cherished time spent with them at family dinners, their beach house, boating, and celebrating holidays. He spent countless hours on the sports fields watching his children and grandchildren play. While at Rockville Crushed Stone, he sponsored many sports teams. In addition to those teams, he was an avid Penn State football fan, holding season tickets for over 45 years, and enjoying tailgating and the games with Diana, his brother- and sister-in-law, and his college roommate and lifelong friend, Doug and his wife, Joanne. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and also followed the Washington Commanders and Washington Nationals. He also loved dogs, owning several spaniels over the years.

Jim belonged to the Catoctin Club and loved spending time with friends playing poker, pool, and golf. He went on annual golf trips with friends and participated in Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) seniors league. His golf short game was particularly strong, enabling him to win a $5,000 putting contest for the First Tee on a very long downhill putt. He loved socializing and hosted COVID driveway parties for neighbors. He was well known for his quick, dry wit and enjoyment of “dad” jokes. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 10 AM with a celebration of life service at 11 AM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the James G. Topper Centennial Award in Mineral Engineering scholarship fund at Penn State, the Arboretum at Penn State for a tree to be planted in his memory, or Frederick Health Hospice.