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Obituary for JAMES HARRISON BUCK
James was born November 25, 1923, to the late William Buck and Lillian Johnson Buck. James grew and was a delightful child who honored his father and mother with reverence and respect. He was educated in the Calvert County Public School system until his parents withdrew him to assist with the family farm and to attend to the younger children. Nonetheless, what James lacked in formal education, God supplied with talent and natural know-how. He exceled in all types of activities from mechanics, such as replacing car engines, to those of a handyman. He oftentimes was the “goto” person for repairs of all kind.
On December 23, 1946, James was united in holy matrimony to Mary Louise Weems. They loved and cherished each other and their love has only grown with time. As with any relationship, there were bumps and bruises; good times and bad, happiness and some disappointments; but with time their love has continued to grow and blossom into a union inseparable.
Together, James and Louise had eight children, two of whom are deceased (Timothy and Elsey). James loved his family and was a devoted husband and an exceptional father. He took whatever steps necessary to provide for the welfare and well-being of his family. He was no stranger to hard work; and he was not a lazy man. He trudged through the cold, the heat, the rain and the snow to provide for his family. In the beginning, he took odd jobs until he landed a job at J.C. Lore’s Oyster House. There he became one of the chief shuckers. From there, through the introduction of his life-long friend, Daniel Butler, he became employed by Kilby & Sons Enterprises where he worked as a basement finisher. Later, he became a self-contractor for the company. He remained there until the business closed. Mr. Kilby was so fond of James and impressed with his work ethic that he asked him to come to his home on Kent Island, Maryland to work with him. James remained a faithful employee until he finally retired. He worked with Mr. Kilby for over 57 years. He was not selfish, but offered jobs to others who were not employed. However, James never retired. He believed in working. He said, “it kept him young. Even at age 80, you found him at the Lusby Post Office, working for his daughter, Linda. He also worked for his grandson, Onfunta Parker, alongside his wife, Louise sorting, casing, and delivering mail. He continued to do this until he was 88 years old.
James had a passion for playing baseball and horseshoes with his children, especially, with the boys and grandsons. He was a force to be reckoned with and was oftentimes the champion. He also made us our first golf course out of cans that he put into holes. Then he retrieved golf balls that were discarded from players at the Country Club in Lusby. Another favorite pastime was watching baseball and wrestling with his brothers; namely Uncles, Willie, Nathaniel and Richard. He also loved boat races and each summer he would take us to the races in Dowell, MD.
In the prime of his life, James dedicated his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. For many years, he worshipped at his family church, Eastern United Methodist Church in Lusby, MD. James was blessed with a dynamic voice and he loved to sing. He loved singing with the Eastern Jubilees. He was the majority lead for the ensemble. The fame of the group was renowned and they traveled throughout Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey uplifting the name of the Lord in song. He was also a member of the Methodist Men, the Jordanaires of Calvert County, and the Tomorrow Voices, a group that he created with the help of his wife. On January 26, 1986, he joined the Church of God at Lothian, MD where he continued to worship and praise the Lord. The anointing of the Lord was on his voice and whenever he sang he would touch hearts, or as they say, “bring down the house.” James loved the Lord and served him nearly all of his life. Even in his sickness he continued to worship and praise God. Family and friends hardly ever departed visits without singing one of his favorite hymns. He would stretch his eyes and open his mouth wide and lift his voice to the Lord. After that, the song was his! Even to within two days of his passing. His favorite statement was “God’s got me!”
On January 20, 2015, James peacefully passed from a life well lived to a life eternal. There God promises peace and tranquility – a life free of pain or care, no more tears and most of all no more death. He leaves cherished memories to his wife of 68 years, Mary Louise; three sons: James, Ricky (Laverne) and Carlos; five daughters: Linda Parker (Lorenzo), Janice Holland (Oscar), Katherine Duckett (Nathan), Tina Morgan (Francis), Diane Cherity (Al); two brothers: Richard and Charles (Patricia); one sister: Beatrice; two sisters-in-law: Delores and Mary; 23 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 9 great-great grand-children; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
