James Arlington Diamond

 1st Sgt James (Jim) A. Diamond, 92, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, entered eternal rest on May 23, 2024, in Washington D.C. Jim is survived by his wife Sandra Lollie Diamond, ex-wife Alva Diamond, sons James Diamond, Darrell Diamond, daughters Delia Diamond, Shauncey Diamond, daughter-in-law Angela Diamond, Grandsons Jamar Diamond, Aaron Diamond, Chantz Diamond, Isaiah Diamond, Donavon Diamond, granddaughters Angel Diamond, Jaimie Diamond, Amber Green, Desirae Henson, Shelcey Diamond, 21 great grandchildren, a great, great granddaughter, God parents Jim and Donna Brinker, 199th Redcatcher family, Chicago Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corp (JROTC) family, and a host of friends. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Darren Diamond. 

Jim was born to James and Constance Diamond in Chicago, Illinois. Jim’s sole passion as a young man was to be a truck driver and to that end he enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17. He served in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. Jim had an aptitude for map reading, ordinance handling, and instructing and leading new recruits. He spent most of his military career pursuing those endeavors until he retired after completing 20 years of service. He earned numerous accolades throughout his tenure including the Distinguished Service Cross, a bronze star and a purple heart. Upon retirement he continued working for the army as a JROTC instructor with the Chicago Board of Education for an additional 23 years. 

Jim was an avid traveler and spent many years traversing the country in his RV visiting family and friends. He loved working with his hands and spent numerous hours tinkering on his special projects. He also enjoyed various hobbies throughout the years including tennis, videography and running. 

Funeral services will be held at Gasch’s Funeral Home, Hyattsville, MD on December 19, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA on December 20, 2024.