James "Jimmy" Erdman Melvin Jr.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of James Erdman Melvin Jr. on April 3rd, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife and family at his home on Perry’s Corner Rd. He was 70 years old. James, or “Jimmy” as many knew him, was born January 1st, 1954 to Ethel Elizabeth Cook and James Erdman Melvin Sr. in Queenstown, Md. Jimmy’s family roots run deep in Queen Anne’s County as does the love and respect from everyone who knew him. Jimmy had many great memories growing up on Perry’s Corner Rd. with his siblings Judy, Janet, and Wayne. He was brought up and taught the culture of eastern shore life at a young age. He, his father, and brother hunted for geese, duck, deer, and squirrel. They trapped muskrats and caught crabs and oysters. Jimmy began crabbing in Greenwood Creek as a young teenager with his father in their two skiffs powered by 1 hp engines. This creek would become the family heritage and place for many of life’s lessons and teachings for the Melvin Family past and present. Jimmy attended Queen Anne’s County High School and met Ilene Cummings in 1972. They wed on March 16th, 1974 and started a family. At this time, Jimmy began tonging, and later diving, for oysters. Oystering was like a gold rush then and Jimmy was able to make a great living for his young family with his father James Sr., Uncle Kenneth Chance, and many friends. With his unparalleled work ethic, Jimmy spent weekends chopping firewood to keep Ilene and their baby warm during the week while he was away. Jimmy worked tirelessly to provide for his family and did everything he could to make their lives as comfortable as possible and give his wife and sons everything they needed. He began a trucking business with guidance from his brother-in-law, Bill Akers, hauling medical supplies to hospitals under the company Medi-Quick. Later, he sold his trucks to start a painting business with his lifelong friend, Danny Brown. He eventually took full ownership and ran the business successfully for over 25 years. Many local Queen Anne’s County businesses, restaurants, and banking institutions were painted by Jimmy and his company. Even when his health started declining, Jimmy continued to work and went back to his roots working on the water. His customers loved the select jumbos he caught for them. He received a liver transplant in 2007 and fought an uphill battle to regain his health and quality of life. He continued to face many health challenges throughout the years but overcame them, enthusiastically returning to his work on the water and spending quality time with his loved ones. These times of adversity never broke his spirit and love for everyone around him. He even continued working into 2022, dredging for oysters and selling to P. T. Hambelton with two of his sons. He was truly an example of resilience to everyone around him. In his down time, Jimmy loved watching boxing, baseball, and his evening Fox News. He loved playing softball and was a pitcher for Charlie Thomas and Billy Willis’ teams. He enjoyed the camaraderie and times with friends. Jimmy loved his cat “Bootsy” and tending to his beautiful yard and garden with Ilene. He could almost always be found occupied with a new project or task in the yard. Jimmy loved making his friends and family laugh and maintained his great sense of humor until he passed. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren. He took joy in using his many skills to help his family whenever he could. Jimmy and Ilene had many beautiful years together and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 16th, 2024. They loved to travel together, laugh together, and were true companions. They especially enjoyed rides together on his Softail Deuce Harley Davidson. Their love endured through life’s joys and challenges and they exemplified the dedication it takes to maintain a loving, long-lasting marriage. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wayne Melvin, his brother-in-law Bill Akers, and his nephew Jamie Melvin. Jimmy is survived by his loving wife Ilene Melvin. He is also survived by his son Jameson and wife Melody of Ridgely, son Jonias of Stevensville, and son Jordan and wife Molly of Queenstown. He is survived by his beloved grandchildren Ava Grace, Owen James, Ella Laine, Asa James, and Elijah Beau as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 11:00am - 1:00pm, with a service at 1:00pm, at Fellows Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Centreville MD. Burial will follow at Chesterfield Cemetery, Centreville MD.

James "Jimmy" Erdman Melvin Jr.

January 1, 1954 - April 3, 2024