James Allen Harley, affectionately known as "Alley," was born to the late Margie and the late James B. Harley on January 5, 1939 in Faulkner, Maryland.

Alley, who was educated in Charles County, was a life long resident. He was married to his wife, Catherine "Etta" Harley for 49 years and 5 months. They were blessed in marriage by the birth of their three children, Francine, Jerry and Sharon.

James was employed by and retired in 1987 from the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission after 30 years of service. After retiring, James never really slowed down. He briefly worked for Waste Management, Correa Enterprise and the Charles County Government.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at Prince Georges Hospital Center, James A. Harley quietly departed this life for one eternal.

In addition to his loving and devoted wife, Catherine, also left to cherish many fond memories are his children, Francine A. Proctor, Jerry A. Harley, Sr. and Sharon L. Harley, grandchildren, Jerry Harley, Jr. and Shana M. Harley, daughter-in-law, Dana, sisters, Eleanor Butler, Cecelia Swann and Diane Swann, sisters-in-law, Mildred Wood, Ann Shorter, Pearline Thompson, Theresa Butler and Marian Thompson, brothers-in-law, James, Philip, Michael, Lawrence, and David Proctor, Lake Butler, Neal Proctor, Sr., Joseph Herbert Swann and Charles Butler, aunts, Rebecca Proctor, Regina Swann, Myrtle Swann, and Mary Gray, uncles, Francis Swann and Milton Swann, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing will take place on Tuesday, February 17th, 10:00am until Mass of Christian Burial 11:00am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 4590 St. Joseph's Way, Pomfret, Maryland. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, MD.