James Albert Diem, real estate developer

James Albert Diem of Georgetown died peacefully at home Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, surrounded by his children and his wife Julie. Jim lost a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born June 3, 1937, in Baltimore, Md.

Jim served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany, jumping during his military service over 150 times. His apparent love of the jump had him taking one last jump just six years ago.

After his military service Jim pursued a career in real estate sales and became senior vice president of Russell T. Baker & Company (now Coldwell-Banker) in Columbia and Eldersburg, Md. He also developed land and built spec homes in Howard County. A passion of Jim’s was to buy, rehab, and sell homes bought at auction. After moving to Delaware, he worked in real estate sales, with Vernon Real Estate. Jim’s love of real estate then took him to Naples, Fla., where he was involved with new home sales at a large golf course community. After he returned to Delaware, he continued selling new homes in Bethany Beach.

Upon retirement, you could always find Jim working in his yard, in which he took great pride. He was an avid reader of history and also loved a good political debate. He loved horses and his cats and also enjoyed volunteering at the Georgetown Little League field.

Jim is survived by his wife Julie; five children: Jim Diem Jr. of Edina, Minn., Susan Weller and husband Jim of Grasonville, Md., Jennifer Mason and husband Dave of Millersville, Md., Charlotte Riesett and husband Randy, of Marriottsville, Md.,and Jeff Diem and wife Nicole, of Manchester, Md. Also surviving is Jim’s sister: Ruth Thompson and husband Harry; brothers: Al Diem and wife Ann and Robert Diem and wife Patricia; 11 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 203 N. Bedford St., Georgetown. Burial will be private at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth, DE 19971, or to the Georgetown SPCA.

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown.