James Elwood "Jimmy" Unkle, 83 of Valley Lee, MD died October 30, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, MD.

Born June 17, 1930 in Washington D.C., he was the son of the late James William Unkle and Thelma Regina Thompson Unkle.

Jimmy was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1947 to 1950. He was employed by C& P Telephone Company (now Verizon) until his retirement; with over 30 years of dedicated service. He was also employed by Evan's Seafood as a driver and as a dispatcher for the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Department.

He was an avid waterman for many years, and belonged to the Watermen's Association. In the early 70's he enjoyed racing speed boats. He also enjoyed farming, especially riding his John Deere tractor. His hobbies included, dancing, singing karaoke, playing pitch, shuffleboard, bowling, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, and watching "Molly B's Polka Party." He enjoyed taking his boat, "For the Good Times," to the Florida Keys for the winter.

He was known as the "Helper" by many members of the community for his unending support and service to fellow citizens of the county. He was honored with the Outstanding Citizen Award twice. He was a charter member of the Second District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. However, his greatest love was for his family, especially his grandchildren. He cherished all the time he was able to spend with them.

Jimmy is survived by his children, Kim Raynard Unkle (Patricia) of St. George's Island, MD; Terry Jo Mewhinney (Timothy) of Chester, NY; Robin White (Roger) of Los Alamados, CA, and Donna Lee O'Connor (Daniel) of Valley Lee, MD; his grandchildren, Bobby Jo Gaskill, Noelle O'Connor, Jamie White, Jonathan White, Katherine Unkle, Daniel Unkle, David Helton, Erin Mewhinney, and Kevin Mewhinney; his great grandchildren, Makenzie Gaskill and Addison Gaskill; and his long term companion, Alice Knott.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his ex-wife, Patricia Ann Goddard Unkle.

Family will receive friends for Jimmy's Life Celebration on Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service conducted by Rev. Greg Syler at 7:00 p.m., in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Graveside Service will be celebrated by Rev. Joseph Calis on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Face Catholic Cemetery, 20408 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD 20634.

Serving as pallbearers will be Frank Norris, nephew; Kevin Mewhinney, grandson; Jonathan White, grandson; Daniel Unkle, grandson; Daniel O'Connor, son-in-law; Bobby Unkle, nephew.

Honorary pallbearers will be Renee Robrecht Reilly, godchild; Roger White, son-in-law; and Tim Mewhinney, son-in-law.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Second District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.