Founded by son Dr. Dennis E. Black for Town of Thurmont’s employees and their legal dependents.

Mayor James F. Black dedicated his life to serving the citizens of the town of Thurmont and making Thurmont a prosperous community. After graduating from Thurmont High School, Black served with the U.S. Army during World War II and later became the mayor of Thurmont for 16 years. In addition to his commitment to Thurmont, he was a member of the Frederick County Council of Governments for 16 years, holding the president post for three years. Mayor Black received numerous awards in recognition of his community service. He was an honorary life member of Thurmont Guardian Hose Company, the Thurmont Lions Club, and the Edwin C. Creeger Jr. Post 168 American Legion. He also served for many years on the boards of Citizens Nursing Home, the Catoctin Medical Center, Farmers and Mechanics Bank, and the Blue Ridge Cemetery Association. His passions included hunting, fishing and gardening. Dr. Dennis E. Black turned to the Community Foundation to establish The Mayor James F. Black Scholarship Fund in memory of his father, who passed away in December 2003. The fund awards scholarships to Town of Thurmont employees and their legal dependents, with preference given to full-time town employees who have been accepted into an accredited college or technical course(s) that is directly related to their job responsibilities. Through this fund, Mayor Black’s dedication to promoting the economic development of the Thurmont community, including the educational development of its residents, lives on.