James Franklin Arter

James Franklin Arter of Upper Marlboro, MD, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at the age of 67. He was born on April 30, 1952, in Washington, DC to Helen Marie [Petrie] and John Horace Arter. In 1970, James graduated from Bladensburg High School; where he contributed numerous articles to the school newspaper. After graduation, he was very involved in keeping up friends and attended every class reunion. James worked as an engineer for Dun Barton Oaks, then as a field engineer for Neiman Marcus. He was known to have two families, his immediate family and his Neiman Marcus family and he loved them all. He was a collector of guitars and enjoyed playing all of them. James was a big fan of the “Blues” and was well educated on its history. Many trips were made all along the east coast going to various concerts. Every summer he would load up the family and go to Ocean City to spend time on the beach. He was also known to travel to other beaches to check them out. Trips always included grandchildren and more. If there was a hotel stay, it had to be at one with a pool. Being a big kid at heart, James would sometimes be the last one out of the pool. He took great joy in traveling and sharing the experience with his family. James loved to get dressed up. He especially liked to wear his Armani suit from Neiman Marcus...…with the matching hat. He was so very proud to walk his daughters down the aisle at their weddings; and when his Goddaughter was to be married, he went on line and became an “Internet Minister” so he could officiate her wedding. James was the beloved husband of Diane Christine [Dolby] Arter and the loving and proud father of Devoney Lane, Leanne Arter and Laura Corsivo. He was the devoted grandfather of Trinity, Dylan, Isabella, Lillian, Jasmine, Adam, Abel and Milliana and loving brother of John H., Jr., David E. and the late Donald S. “Donnie” and Marie. James and Diane were waiting and excited for the arrival of their first great-grandchild. He was a social butterfly and never missed a chance to shine. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Riverdale Baptist Church, 1177 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Franklin Arter please visit our Sympathy Store.