Saturday, February 26, 2011
Zion United Methodist Church
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Service: 11:00 a.m.
Zion United Methodist Church
21291 Three Notch Rd.
Lexington Park, MD 20653
301-863-5161
Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home
2294 Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20601
301-632-6624
James Elis Shubrooks, Sr., devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and friend, departed on February 16, 2011, after a long illness surrounded by family and friends at The Hospice House, Callaway, MD.
James was born on May 29, 1935, in St. Inigoes to the late Samuel and Juliet Shubrooks. He attended public schools in St. Mary’s County. He was a self-taught visionary who incorporated his ingenuity to design and build.
On May 16, 1953, he was joined in holy matrimony with his true love and best friend, Mary Idolia Fenwick of Park Hall, MD. James and Idolia lived in Park Hall, MD. To this union were six children, two daughters and four sons.
James accepted Christ in his life at an early age. He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church, which he attended, and worked faithfully with his wife. Together, they worked with various church programs, activities, fundraisers, charitable and political functions through the church and community until his illness.
A skilled carpenter, James was the proprietor of Shubrooks Construction for many years. The construction of many homes and buildings in the Tri County area is envisioned as a permanent reminder of James’ gift as a builder to all that needed his expertise. Many locals are indebted to him because of his generous spirit. He took pride in his work, evidence across the Tri-County area. One of his locations was the paneling and repairs of Zion UMC when the walls were concrete.
James was a quiet, kind-hearted man who was well liked and enjoyed helping others. He devoted his life to his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and had a love for drag racing and sports cars. James played sports at a young age. He took pride in his children and taught them everything he could, from working on cars together, carpentry work, and teaching them how to ride their pony.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife and soul mate of 58 years, Mary Idolia Shubrooks; two daughters, Shell Jackson (Anthony) and Gloria Countiss (Benjamin) of Park Hall; three sons, Raymond Shubrooks (Chiara) of Lexington Park, James Shubrooks, Jr. of Park Hall, and Marc Shubrooks (Brooke) of Great Mills; and daughter in-law Valeria Shubrooks of Lexington Park; brother-in-law Jesse Fenwick (Jean) of, Baltimore; sister-in-laws Regina Slaughter, Daisy Fenwick of Park Hall. His loving niece, Annette Dickens of St. Inigoes and a special nephew William Fenwick of Park Hall.
He is also survived by two sisters, Anna Fenwick and Catherine Chisley; a brother, Leonard Shubrooks of St. Mary County; grandchildren Dwain Countiss (Saleira) of Clinton, Cory Countiss (Tiffany) of Glen Burnie, Deanna Thomas, Lekeka Shubrooks, Calvin Shubrooks, Jr., Asha Lee, Steveland Stewart, Anthony Jackson, Jr., Joy Jackson, and Jamar Brundidge, Marc Shubrooks, Jr., Maxwell Shubrooks, Raymond Shubrooks, Jr., Savian Shubrooks all of St. Mary’s County. Devoted friends John and Linda Ross of Leonardtown and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents, he preceded in death by his son, Calvin Shubrooks, Sr., brothers Clarence and Robert Shubrooks, Joseph Smith, sister Lucy Lee, great-grand children Jaylin and Jashaun Ball.
The family will receive friends at , Zion United Methodist Church, 21291 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD, Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 9 to 11:00 a.m., Homegoing Service will follow. Interment will take place at Charles Memorial Garden.
Pallbearers: Calvin Shubrooks, Charles Countiss, John Ross, Kevin Countiss, Melvin Fenwick, Morris Fenwick
Honorary Pallbearers: Honorable Judge John Briscoe, Norman Bailey, Mamadou Sissoko, Jesse Fenwick Sr., James Taylor, Willie Taylor, Samuel Taylor, David Spence, William Fenwick, Richard Simms
Arrangements are entrusted to Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home in Waldorf.
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