James "Jake" Searcey, 85, of Delmar, died peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2008 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. He was born on February 8, 1923 in Alabama, a son of the late John V. Searcey and Virgie Searcey Wilson. He lived most of his life in Delmar and called Delmar his home. Jake, as he was fondly known by family and friends, retired in 1985 after 24 years as a plumber and electrician. His biggest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of Laurel Wesleyan Church and had a strong relationship with God. His faith helped him face his illness and in his last days, he looked forward to God calling him home. He is survived by a family who loved him dearly, his wife of 64 years, Kathleen; a son Jimmy Searcey and his wife Nancy; a grandson, Robert Searcey and his wife Marilyn; a granddaughter, Kimberly van Vulpen and her husband Gaby; and 5 great grandchildren, Ryan, Luke and Hannah Searcey and Alex and Amanda van Vulpen. He is also survived by a sister, Chlorina Jamison and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, George and John Searcey and Ernest Bailey and 2 sisters, Katherine Hughes and Emma Wooten. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street, Delmar, where family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00. Interment will follow the services at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Delmar. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Laurel Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 68 Laurel, Delaware 19956, or to Coastal Hospice at the Lake, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.