James Hartley - Obituary

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MR. HARTLEY'S VIDEO TRIBUTE* James D. Hartley, 81, of Edgewater, Crofton, Easton and Hyattsville, died Dec. 27 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Mr. Hartley was born June 14, 1926 (Flag Day), in Strasburg, VA to James David and Mittie Jane Burner Hartley. He was the youngest of 10 children and attended school in Strasburg, Shepherdstown, WV and Williamsport, MD. He served in WWII as an Ammunition Handler and earned the Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Ribbon. Mr. Hartley began his mechanical career as an automobile service station attendant, and later owned and operated Rite Way Garage in College Park. He began working as a boat mechanic at local Edgewater marinas and later owned Hartley Marine until he retired in 1989. Coming out of retirement he worked at his son's business and then worked at Rhodes River Marina. A devoted husband, father and friend, Jim enjoyed animals, playing cards, the Redskins, horse racing, reading the Bible daily, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Bowie. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Margaret E. Minke Hartley; four daughters, Bonnie (Woody) Watkins of Conway, SC; Betty Kinney of Piney Orchard, Wanda (Lance) Purdy of Laurel, and Liz (Rick) Howard of Mayo; one son, Danny (Patty) Hartley of Owings; one sister, Alice Gaines of Silver Spring; 7 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and one great-grandson. Family and friends may visit Friday, Jan. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., at George P.Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m., at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 14900 Annapolis Rd., Bowie. Columbarium Inurnment will be private at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis 21401.