James "Jimmy" Carlton Rye

James (Jimmy) Carlton Rye, 76, lifetime resident of Nanjemoy, MD, peacefully lost his battle with cancer on November 7, 2019, while surrounded by family and friends.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Carlton K. Rye and mother, Naomi (Davis) Rye and his sister Ethel Swann.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years Julia (Judy) Bastain Rye, daughters Bonnie Stonestreet (Paul), Karina Colley (Rick), grandson Danny Stonestreet (Brittany Ryan) and many nieces and nephews.

Jimmy worked in the excavating business for over 60 years, clearing land, building roads, parking lots, and infrastructure for many of the subdivisions and shopping centers in Charles County.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and having cookouts and crab feasts with his family and friends.  

Jimmy's greatest passion was serving his community as a volunteer fireman.  Jimmy was a dedicated Life Member of the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department.  He served his community for 60 years.  During that time, his many positions included President, Vice President, Chief, Assistant Engineer and Firefighter.  He received many awards and accolades including Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award numerous times.  Always willing to lend a helping hand, Jimmy stood ready to sacrifice his own life to save others when called upon.  He proudly passed this passion on to his Grandson, Danny Stonestreet, who followed in his footsteps to become a volunteer fireman with Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department and a professional firefighter with the District of Columbia Fire Department.

Although Jimmy's passion was being a firefighter, his greatest achievement was that of Husband, Father, Grandfather and Uncle.  He was a family man who was always there when needed.  He raised his family with love, discipline and laughter.  He was an honest, hardworking man who led and taught by example.  He was a great mentor and friend to many.

Services to celebrate Jimmy's life will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department, 4260 Port Tobacco Rd, Nanjemoy, MD.  Family will receive friends from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM with fireman’s prayer and service starting at 7 PM.  Burial will be Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 12 noon at Nanjemoy Baptist Church cemetery, 3030 Baptist Church Rd, Nanjemoy, MD with repast immediately following at Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department.

The following members of the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department will proudly serve as pallbearers: Danny Stonestreet, Kelly Crouse, Jason Penn, Ricky Zagrodnichek, Gerald Shannon and Chris Windsor.  Honorary pallbearers from Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department will be Wally Danielson and Wayne Klinger.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jimmy Rye may be made to the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 4, Nanjemoy, MD 20662.

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