James "Smiley" Diggs, was born October 31, 1929 ~ to the late Margaret King Gladden and the late Parker Diggs. He was preceded in death by his sisters, the late Mabel T. Baker and the lateVirginia Woodland.

He was educated in the Charles County School System and spent most of his life in Pisgah, Maryland.

Smiley was inducted into the U.S. Army on December 3, 1950, later transferred to the reserves on December 5, 1952 and was honorably discharged December 14, 1956. While serving, he was stationed at Fort Polk in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and in San Antonio, Texas.

On June 27, 1954, he married the late Bertha Helen Monroe, also from Charles County. They were married 42 years, until her death in 1996.

He was employed by the Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C., until retiring with 40 years of federal service.

Smiley had a passion and a gift for working on any type of gasoline-powered mechanical equipment including: automobiles, trucks, tractors, boats, lawn mowers, he loved to tinker with them all. He was an avid farmer, sowing and reaping all types of produce and then sharing with his family, neighbors, friends and the community. He also loved fishing, but never took the time to go.

He married Catherine Annett Day on August 6, 1997.

Departing this life on July 30, 2008, Smiley leaves a wife, Catherine Annett Diggs; two daughters, Theresa A. Rolley and Patricia Washington; one granddaughter, Tyra D. Livingston and one great-grand daughter, Jayda I. Owens. He also leaves three dedicated, special caregivers: his nephew, Maurice T. Baker, Sr., and two grandnieces, Michele Hawkins and Anita Sampson.

He leaves another nephew, Grant Baker; three nieces, Antoinette Bowman, Mary Blackmon and Catherine Sampson; many grandnephews, grandnieces, other relatives and friends.

Smiley shared many good times with his family and special friends, to include the late Earl Diggs, John Hart and Harry Kelton.

His Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2008 from 9:00 am until time of Service, 11:00 am at Thornton Funeral Home, Route 227 Pomonkey, Maryland. Interment, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.