James Diggs, 78, Pisgah

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008

Born Oct. 31, 1929, he was the son of the late Margaret King Gladden and the late Parker Diggs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mabel T. Baker and Virginia Woodland.

He was educated in the Charles County school system and spent most of his life in Pisgah.

Mr. Diggs was inducted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 3, 1950 and later transferred to the reserves Dec. 5, 1952, and was honorably discharged Dec. 14, 1956. While serving, he was stationed at Fort Polk in Lake Charles, La., and in San Antonio.

On June 27, 1954, he married the late Bertha Helen Monroe, also from Charles County. They were married for 42 years until her death in 1996.

He was employed by the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., until retiring with 40 years of federal service.

He had a passion and a gift for working on any type of gasoline-powered equipment including automobiles, trucks, tractors, boats and lawnmowers. He loved to tinker with them all. He was an avid farmer, sowing and reaping all types of produce and then sharing with others. He also loved fishing, but never took the time to go.

He shared many good times with his family and special friends who include the late Earl Diggs, John Hart and Harry Kelton.

He married Catherine Annett Day Aug. 6, 1997.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Theresa A. Rolley and Patricia Washington; granddaughter, Tyra D. Livingston; great-granddaughter, Jayda I. Owens; three dedicated, special caregivers, nephew, Maurice T. Baker Sr. and grandnieces, Michele Hawkins and Anita Sampson; nephew, Grant Baker; nieces, Antoinette Bowman, Mary Blackmon and Catherine Sampson; and many great-nephews, great-nieces, and other relatives.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Aug. 7 at Thornton Funeral Home, Pomonkey. Burial will take place at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.