Rev. James W. Diggs
The Rev. James W. Diggs, 84, a retired Associate Member, died March 6, 2018, at Medstar St. Mary’s Hospice in Callaway. A funeral service was held March 19, at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Lexington Park.
James Diggs was born Aug. 17, 1934, in Washington D.C, the son of the late George and Aleathia Brown of Calvert County Maryland, where he grew up in a loving home. He attended school in the Calvert County School system.
He served his country in the Vietnam War in the U. S. Air Force. After discharge, he continued his government service as a civil servant for the Federal Government for more than 30 years and retired from Fort Meade Army Base in Maryland.
He and Frances Adele Diggs were married in 1987. They had four children who survive.
As he neared retirement, Diggs acknowledged his call into the Gospel Ministry. He obtained his college and seminary degrees and became an Ordained Minister in The United Methodist Church. He pastored Bethesda UMC in Valley Lee, Mount Calvary UMC in Charlotte Hall; and Shiloh UMC in Newburg. Preaching, being a Pastor and daily serving the Lord was a great joy for him.
After serving more than 11 years at Shiloh, Diggs retired and united with First Missionary Baptist Church of Lexington Park. He remained faithful until his health began to fail in 2013.
He served as Leader of the Boy Scouts of Lusby, Maryland. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and attending gospel programs. He loved to sing and was a member of the Gospel Group, “The Zion Methodist Men.” He also enjoyed time with his family, eating and watching sports.
Survivors include his wife; daughters Janet Velvetta and Velma and their husbands; sons Wayne, Jamie and his wife; stepdaughters Barbara Curtis and Marsha McManus; stepson Lionele Curtis; 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Also surviving are a host of friends, nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to: Frances Diggs, 21328 Windsor Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653.