James W. Diggs, (Age 83) of Lexington Park, Maryland

On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, while at the Medstar St. Mary's Hospice in Callaway Maryland, Reverend James W. Diggs went to be with the Lord as he peacefully gazed in the loving eyes of his wife, Frances.

Reverend Diggs was born August 17, 1934 in Washington D.C. He was the proud son of Mr. and Mrs. 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. James proudly served his country in the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force. After an honorable 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 also served as Leader of the Boys Scout of Lusby, Maryland.

As his retirement time drew near, he acknowledged his call into the Gospel Ministry. With a desire to become the man that God ordained him to be, he attended College and Seminary School.  He obtained his degree and went on to become an Ordained Minister in the United Methodist Church. He Pastored three different Churches. He loved to preach and teach the word of God. Preaching, being a Pastor and daily serving the Lord was a great joy for him. His first Church was Bethesda United Methodist Church of Valley Lee, Maryland. His second assignment was Mount Calvary United Methodist Church of Charlotte Hall, Maryland and from there he went to Shiloh United Methodist Church of Newburg, Maryland. After serving more than 11 years at Shiloh, Reverend Diggs retired from Pastoring. He then united with First Missionary Baptist Church of Lexington Park, Maryland. He remained faithful until his health began to fail in 2013. Yet, whenever he was able, he could be seen in Worship, giving praise to Almighty God.

James was married to his lovely wife Frances Adele Diggs in March 21, 1987. They loved traveling, attending Church and going to gospel programs. Reverend Diggs loved to sing! He was a member of the Gospel Group, "The Zion Methodist Men." He loved the holiday season. He enjoyed traveling from house to house enjoying the festivities of the season, fellowshipping, spending time with family and friends, eating good food, watching sports, and Yes, he loved talking about the Lord!

In addition to his parents, George and Aleathia, he was preceded in death by his brother.


He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Frances Adelle Diggs, sister, Loretta Berry,brother, John Berry son, Leander,  daughters, Janet (William), Velvetta (Willie), and Velma (Jerome),  sons, Wayne and Jamie (Debbie); stepdaughters  Barbara Curtis and Marsha McManus , stepson,  Lionele Curtis, fifteen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, best friends, Mr. Bernard Yates, Rev. Irvin Beverly, Georgia Lee Washington, Norman Bailey,William Fenwick, Shiela Harris and Pauline R. Fletcher, special friend, Elizabeth Jordan and host of nieces, nephews and family friends to cherish his memory.

His viewing will be held from 9am until time of service 11am on Monday, March 19, 2018 at First Missionary Baptist Church, 46370 Pegg Lane, Lexington Park, MD 20653.  Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Hwy, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.