SALISBURY - James A. Polk Sr. died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, at Coastal Hospice At The Lake in Salisbury. Born in Lawnside, N.J., he was the son of the late Mary R. Polk Scott. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Elsey and Annie Polk.
He served in the United States Air Force during World War II. Prior to retiring, he was an English Professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne.
He was a member of Wesley Temple United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Chair of the Building Committee. He was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Maryland State Teachers Association, English and Language Association, National Education Association, and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Lynch Polk; a son, James A. Polk Jr.; two daughters, Marsha B. Polk and Linda Waters; a grandson; and several nephews and nieces.
In addition to his mother and grandparents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Agatha Jones Polk; three brothers, Walter Scott, George Scott, and Charles Elzey Scott; and two sisters, Isabelle Gaines and Frances Smith.
A funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Wesley Temple United Methodist Church in Salisbury. Interment was in Green Acres Memorial Park. Arrangements are in the care of Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home.