Jim Seabrook passes family business down to his son

When talking to Jim Seabrook, a resident at Germantown Plantation Senior Living, one gets a picture of the legacy of Seabrook Wallcoverings.

The company was founded by Jim’s grandfather in 1910, and the Seabrook family has spent four generations bringing beauty to homes and businesses in all 50 states, as well as overseas.

Jim grew up in the family business under the careful tutelage of his grandfather, father and uncles. Later he married his wife, Patsy, they and started a family of their own. Jim’s mother arranged their first meeting while he was away at college. Their kids, Hunter and Carey, live nearby in Germantown. His children and grandchildren are such a joy in his life.

As his generation of the family took on leadership of the company, he continued the company’s wholesale expansion outside the United States. Seabrook products — proudly marked “Made in the U.S.A.” — are a hot commodity in China, Russia and India, among others.

When Jim retired on his 80th birthday, the Seabrook employees created a unique portrait of him made from a variety of beautiful wallpaper patterns. His son, Hunter, is now CEO of the family business but continues to rely on his dad’s experience and sage advice.

Settled now in his comfortable apartment at Germantown Plantation, Seabrook comments on “how kind the people are in this wonderful place.” The best part, he said, is being near his grandchildren. The two oldest grandchildren are in college and the three youngest attend nearby St. George’s Independent School.