James ‘Buttons’ Custis, carpet installer
James (Jim aka “Buttons”) Clifton Custis of Millsboro was born in Exmore, Va., March 14, 1929, to the late Berline Baines and Stanley Custis. It was God’s desire in His Holy Wisdom, that his life ended quietly and peacefully, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, at the age of 89, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.
As a young man, Jim moved to Dover to work as a truck driver and waterman (commercial fisherman). Eventually, he began working at Outten Brothers and as an independent contractor for Jack Parker Enterprises for over 26 years as a carpet installer. Thereafter he continued his entrepreneurial spirit and had his own select group of clients. Jim had the reputation of being the best carpet installer throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.
While working at Outten Brothers, he met the love of his life, his wife Ann. They would have been together 50 years Dec. 14, 2018. From this union, God blessed them with two loving children, James Jr. and Eva.
Jim Custis was a sweet, giving and humble man. He would always go out of his way to help anyone! His hobbies were hunting, watching and attending Baltimore Orioles baseball games, along with his love of boxing. He was a provider, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, who put God first in all of his endeavors. He always opened his home to those in need with a comforting heart and an attentive ear, with zero judgment. Any children who stayed overnight at his home were required to attend church on Sunday mornings.
Jim was the overseer of the design and construction of the current St. John 2nd Baptist Church. Upon completion, he took responsibility as the church caretaker. He was instrumental in designing a financial plan that would allow the church membership to pay off a 30-year mortgage in nine years. He was a faithful member and trustee who would always greet you with an open heart, handshake, and a warm, gracious smile.
He was preceded in death by his sons, Lamont Harmon and Samuel Leggins; and his siblings Forest Custis and Elizabeth Giddens.
In love and faith he leaves to cherish his memory and to continue his smile and good spirit, a loving wife, Ann J. Custis; a son, James Custis (Nicole); daughters, Eva Wellman (Terrance), Debbie Harmon, Anna Harmon (Mike) of Bear, Shuna Harmon of Lewes, Sonya Gholson and Lizzie Mae Richardson of Eastern Shore, Va.; a special son, Spencer Brittingham (Tamela) of Rehoboth; two grandchildren whom he reared, Jacquel Adams (Anthony) of Roanoke, Va., and Darien Custis of Lewes; another special son, Andrew Knox of Lewes; 13 grandchildren, Raven, Tyler, Jack, Diveadra, Victoria, Orlando, Jared, George, Charlene, Talon, Spencer II, Shayne, and Shayla; 10 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Abrahm, Cianna, Jeremiah, Deveah, Laniya, Noah, Nichanna, Nikolaus and Mason; two sisters, Mary Giddens and Corrine Fisher of Exmore, Va.; two brothers, Norman Custis (Maggie) of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and McKinley Collins of Exmore; three brothers-in-law, Marvin Morris (MaryAnn) of Millsboro, Lloyd Morris (Laura) and Keith Morris of Lewes; and three sisters-in-law, Cleo Phillips of Wilmington, Teresa Demby and Jackie Street (Tony) of Lewes.
He will be greatly missed by two friends and a nephew who were his caregivers, Mae and Elton Hopkins, and Gregory Johnson; his riding partners, Otis Smith and Anthony Bailey; Malcolm Timmons, who he assisted in many handyman jobs; many nieces, nephews, his St. John 2nd Baptist Church family, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, Dec. 15, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, at noon. A viewing will be held two hours prior. Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.
To offer words of comfort and sign the guest book visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com.
