James Claude "Buck" Abell, 72, of California, MD, formerly of Hollywood, MD, died on August 13, 2009, at the Specialty Hospital and Nursing Center of Washington, DC, born March 12, 1937 in Hollywood, MD, Buck was the son of the late Claude Leo and Catherine Marie (Greenwell) Abell and was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County.

Buck graduated from St. John's School in Hollywood, MD. He was known for his gentle manner and quiet disposition. He loved boating and fishing and his favorite hobbies were working on watches, radios, and lawnmower engines. Recently, Buck attended the Vivian Ripple Center in Hollywood and resided with dear friends and caregivers Carolyn and Ed Forsman. He enjoyed Listening to country and gospel music and spending time with family and friends.

Buck is survived by his siblings Barbara Ann Abell and her husband John B. of Leonardtown, MD, Jeanette Cameron and her husband Frank Cameron, Sr. of California, MD, Joseph Kenneth Abell, Sr. and his wife Ann Marie of Hollywood, MD, Mary Evelyn Brugman and her husband Dennis Brugman of Hollywood, MD, Eileen Tippett of California, MD, and his brother in law Wilbur Tippett.

The family will receive friends between 5:00-8:00PM on Monday, August 17, 2009 at Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD, where prayers will be said at 7:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at St. John's Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD, with Father Ray Schmidt officiating.

Pallbearers will be Frank Cameron, Jr., Timothy Cameron, Vincent Abell, Chris Burgan, David Abell and Christopher Curtis. Honorary pallbearers are Ken Abell, Julie Brugan, Paul Oncken, Carolyn and Ed Forsman, Dennis Brugman and Kathleen Bilotta.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Building Fund, 43950 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 or the Hollywood Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.