James Wendell Harley, Sr. ("Shorty", "Skinny", "George", "Wennie", and "Pop-pop) of Pomfret, MD died on April 8, 2013 at Civista Medical Center in La Plata, MD. James was born April 3, 1935 to the late Mary L. Harrley-Butler.

On April 24, 1954, James married Marian I. Harley for 58 wonderful years.

James worked for the Department of the Interior, National Park Service for 39 years where he learned such trades as heavy equipment driver, masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and supervision of all these areas. On May 27, 1988, he was awarded the "Certificate of Appreciation" from National Capitol Parks-East for his "unhesitating action to help protect children" in Fort Washington Park.

James also helped construct a cross made of cinder blocks in the cemetery at St. Joseph's Church in Pomfret, MD. He helped set up booths and makeshift cooking grills for the Church's Jamborees. James served on the Parish Committee for several years. He had been an usher at the 8:30AM mass for nearly his entire life. James always had a joke to tell before the start of mass. He always made whomever he spoke to feel like family.

James is survived by his loving wife, Marian; his children, James "Fuzzy" Harley, Timothy "Duck" (Melissa) Harley, Carlos Harley, Debbie (Mike) Proctor, and Clayton (Denise) Harley; his grandchildren, Timothy II, Reva, Michon, Nicoletta (Freddie), Lauren, Jessica, Dominic, Avery, and Elijah and great-grandchildren, Kinsey and Declan. He is also survived by his sisters, Lindora (Roy) Newman, Jean (Woody) Proctor, and Brenda (Hilton) Proctor; brother, James Butler; and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His viewing will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pomfret, MD on Monday, April 15, 2013 from 10:00AM until his mass at 11:00AM. His internment will follow the funeral mass at the church cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.