James Royce Brinkley

James Royce Brinkley, lovingly known as Buster, Buddy, and Jim, passed away on August 28, 2025, in Solomons, Maryland, at the age of 75.

Born on December 11, 1949, in Wilmington, North Carolina, James was the son of the late James “Puddin” Brinkley and Mary “Libby” (Marley) Brinkley. He grew up in Chinquapin, NC, attending elementary and middle school before moving with his family to Colmar Manor, MD, where he graduated from Bladensburg High School.

James began working for Safeway at the age of 16, where he built a career of more than 30 years in management. During this time, he also proudly served in the Marine Reserves. Following his years with Safeway, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his own landscaping business. James made his home in Huntingtown, Maryland, where he took pride in his house and the memories he created there with family.

Throughout his life, James enjoyed a variety of passions. He was an avid skier who traveled across the country for new slopes and a former pole vaulter. He adored the outdoors, especially time spent on the water fishing, crabbing, boating, or riding his jet ski. He also had a love for cars, NASCAR, and college football, with a special loyalty to ECU. His appreciation for country music was lifelong, with George Strait and Vince Gill among his favorite artists.

Above all, James was devoted to his family. A quiet man by nature, his presence carried a warmth and strength that grew even brighter in his later years. He cared for his mother for many years, opening his home and heart to her. After a health issue in 2019, James was cared for and lived with his sister, Pamela, for six years. During this time, he was surrounded by people who loved him and was able to share countless special moments with his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He loved hosting holidays and family gatherings and cherished every moment spent with his entire family along with his beloved pets.

James is survived by his two sisters, Susan Carol Hall and Pamela Lynn Wood. He is also survived by his in-laws and extended family who loved him dearly, including William Reamy, William Wood, Tommy & Misty Hall, Leighanne Hall, Kristy & Ben Vaughn, John & Jody Pusey, Rebecca Reamy, Timothy & Kelly Stanton, Lindsay Marr, and Billy Wood, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Faye Reamy; his brother-in-law, Thomas Hall; and his nephew, Todd Hall.

Funeral services for James Brinkley will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Sharon Baptist Church, 2775 S NC-50, Chinquapin, NC. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at the Sloan/Brinkley Family Cemetery on Durwood Evans Road, Chinquapin, NC.

For those who wish to send flowers, arrangements may be directed to Quinn McGowan Funeral Home, 612 South Norwood Street, Wallace, NC 28466. Memorial contributions may also be made to Sharon Baptist Church in James’s honor.

James will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy of devotion, generosity, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

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Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace is serving the Brinkley family. 

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