James A. 'Buddy' Elburn

ROCK HALL, Md. - James A. "Buddy" Elburn. of Rock Hall, died on March 8, 2009, at Chester River Hospital Center, Chestertown. He was 78. He was born in Rock Hall, the son of the late William Edward and Daisy Alberta Pearce Elburn. He attended school in Rock Hall and at a young age went to work on the water, following in his family's tradition. A lifelong waterman, Mr. Elburn harvested crabs, fish, and oysters. He also geared net and was known for his fishing abilities. He married Mary Ella Clothier on Oct. 3, 1964. Mr. Elburn retired from a career on the water in 2004. He was a member of the Waterman's Association and the Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion Post 228 in Rock Hall. He enjoyed gearing net, time with his family, hosting crab feasts and old time fish frys, and spending time on the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Louise Clayton and her husband Billy of Smith Island, Bonnie Usilton and her husband Bob of Chestertown, Aggie Trimble and her husband Roger of Chestertown, and Patty Standridge and her husband David of Rock Hall; seven grandchildren, Timmy Trimble, Clay Clayton, Matt Clayton, Lynn Standridge, Mitch Usilton, Mike Usilton, and Timmy Usilton; great-grandchildren, Angel, Madison, Chandler, and Mackenzie Clayton. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. One brother, the late Booty Elburn along with two granddaughters, the late Debbie Trimble and Christinia Standridge predeceased him. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, Route 20, Rock Hall, where relatives and friends may call on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rock Hall Vol. Fire Company Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 577, Rock Hall, MD 21661. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.fhnfuneralhome.com.