James Edward Betts, enjoyed long pickup rides

James Edward Betts, 87, passed away peacefully Friday, May 13, 2022.

Mr. Betts was born in Milton to the late Gove and Clara (Messick) Betts.  He worked for the Department of Agriculture at the University of Delaware.  He enjoyed camping in the past, and was a fan of wrestling.  He watched “Gunsmoke” every day and sometimes all day.  Most of all, James enjoyed getting into his pickup and taking long rides, stopping by a McDonald’s for a dish of ice cream.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Betts; brothers, Gove Betts Jr. and Albert Betts; sisters, Helida Willey, Stella ‘Lib’ Moore Smith, Roberta Clendaniel and Ruth Taylor.  

He is survived by his children, Nancy Cole and James Betts Jr., both of Seaford; sister, Pearl Hyslip of Warner Robins, Ga.; granddaughters, Angela Carter and Annette Cole; and great-grandson, Cameron Carter. 

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 20, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call after 12 p.m.  Interment will follow at Cokesbury Cemetery, Georgetown.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.