James Michael Poling

James Michael Poling, age 65, of Newark, DE., formerly of Dover, DE., passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023 in the Christiana Hospital after a long illness.

James was born in Dover, son of the late Harold Poling and Mary Taheny Poling. He is survived by his fiancée, Genel Banks, of Newark, DE, his brothers; Edward (Lorraine) of Delaware City, Thomas (Marcia) of Dover, and his sister, Mary Ann Amos (David) of Dover; his nephews Jeremy Poling and Nick Salter, nieces Katie Poling and Cassie Salter, and 5 great nephews and nieces.

James graduated from Dover High School, the University of Delaware, and the University of Baltimore Law School.  He retired from the State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, where he was instrumental in creating and implementing the Brownfields Development Program, supporting the cleanup of hazardous substance sites around Delaware.

He loved spending time with family and friends and hosted many family Thanksgiving dinners over the years.  He loved music, playing saxophone in Dover High’s marching band, and attending hundreds of concerts in a variety of musical genres over the years.

James was a sports enthusiast, cheering on his Cowboys during the fall, and many other sports during their seasons.  He was an avid cyclist and tennis player and worked as a tennis pro in Rehoboth in his younger days.  He spent many hours tossing a frisbee with his brother.  He loved photography, and taking pictures of scenery and wildlife at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge was one of his favorite pastimes.  He was a history buff and enjoyed many History Channel programs. He had a lifelong interest in archaeology, travel and men’s fashion.

James will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806, or the Friends of Bombay Hook, 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977.

For online condolences, visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com