Donald (Donnie) Lee James of Laurel passed away peacefully after a long fight at TidalHealth Nanticoke, surrounded by his loving family on Nov. 10, 2023. Donnie was born in Cambridge on Aug. 13, 1937 to Catherine Bryan James Wentz of Seaford and Chester James of Laurel. 

Donnie served in the Army National Guard in Seaford and Georgetown. Donnie was employed with DuPont, Bob Allen, Bob Culver Brick Laying and Delmarva Power where he worked for 50 years. He served as past president of Laurel Lions Club and Laurel Men’s Civic Club. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his friends at the Laurel American Legion. He will always be remembered by his grandchildren for riding on his lawn tractor, barefoot with a cold beverage.

 Donnie is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty James; brother C. Leroy James (Barbara) of Seaford; and Brent Culver of Laurel who he considered another brother. He is also survived by his sons Douglas James of Laurel and Dana James (Kelly) of Laurel; four grandchildren Joshua James (Annie) and Sarah James of Laurel, Sydney James of Columbia, SC and Branagh James of Seaford. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Donnie was loved by many and he loved all.  

A viewing will be held on Friday, Nov. 17 from 1-2 p.m. at St. Georges United Methodist Church, 34894 St. George’s Road, Delmar, Delaware 19940. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Reverend Tim Dukes and Pastor Lisa Hines will officiate. Interment will be private. 

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Laurel American Legion Post #19, 12188 Laurel Road, Laurel, Delaware 19956, where he was a member or to St. Georges United Methodist Church, 34894 St. George’s Road, Delmar, Delaware 19940. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.