James "Jim" Lee Phelps' Obituary
James Lee Phelps joined his Lord and Savior Sunday June 16, 2024, passing away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was 70 years old.
Jim was born December 24, 1953 in Easton, Maryland to Thomas Edward Phelps, Jr and Odessa Francis Deneau Phelps. He graduated from Colonel Richardson High School in 1972. He married his high school sweetheart Jill Lyden on June 17, 1978. Together they built their home in Preston, Maryland and have lived there ever since.
Jim worked at Kenny Citgo during high school. After graduation, he went to work with his grandfather and uncle at F.E. Deneau & Son. Most well known for his career in car sales, Jim started selling at Preston Ford then moved to Levi Chevrolet, later returning to Preston Ford. At Preston Ford, he worked in sales and management, making many lifelong friends. After many years at Preston Ford, Jim changed career paths and was elected as Register of Wills for Caroline County in 2010, where he remained in office until his passing.
From a young age, Jim attended Grace Baptist Church in Hurlock, Maryland. Being a man of strong faith, he continued to attend Grace Baptist throughout his life. He held various positions in the church, such as Deacon, Financial Officer and currently serving as Head of Security.
Community service was very important to Jim. He was a former member of Preston Lions Club. Currently, he was an active member of the Idlewild Ruritan Club, serving as President. He was very involved in the community outreach of the club. He was instrumental in the development of the Preston Historical Society.
Family was Jim's top priority and he never met a stranger. He had a love for John Deere tractors that he shared with his grandchildren. He enjoyed displaying his John Deere collection and sharing his knowledge of tractors with others at the annual Threshermen's Show each August. He was an avid collector of Preston memorabilia, everything John Deere and was Dale Earnhardt's biggest fan. He never missed an opportunity to show his ornery side and often pulled little pranks, but made sure everyone knew he was their biggest supporter.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Jill, brother Ed Phelps (Pam) of Preston, daughter Julie MacDonald (Timmy) of Federalsburg, Justin Phelps of Wilmington, DE, 3 grandchildren Aiden, Zak and Kendall, who were the apple of his eye. Sister in laws, Suzanne Fluharty (Mickey) of Seaford, Connie Sites (Douglas) of Seaford, Bonnie Lyden of Hurlock, MD and many nieces, nephews and cousins. As well as Lucy, his faithful companion.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and brother Timothy Phelps, brother-in-law Bill Lyden, nephew Chris Robertson, as well as a few of his closest friends.
Visitation for Jim will be held Monday, June 24 from 6:00-8:00 at Grace Baptist Church in Hurlock, MD. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, June 25 at 11:00 at Grace Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 -11:00. Burial will take place at Junior Order Cemetery in Preston, MD.
Those who would like to make contributions in Jim's honor may do so to Compass Hospice at 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617 or Grace Baptist Church at 510 N. Main Street, Hurlock, MD 21643.
Share memories with the family at www.framptom.com
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