Carl L. James

Carl Leon James was born on July 28, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio to John H. and Gertrude James.  He accepted Christ at a young age and attended New Bethlehem Baptist Church and in his youth, he sang in the Junior Choir.  He attended John F. Kennedy High School graduating in June, 1971.  After graduation, he decides to leave home and find his own way in the world.  He worked at Traub Box Company and TRW, Inc. close to twenty years.  Carl found his passion as a truck driver for over twenty-five years and this allowed him to travel to every state except for Alaska and Hawaii!

During his truck driving years is when his love for family, relatives and friends (since high school) were prominent.  He would converse on the phone for hours with family and friends especially if he was in a good reception area.  He would often call or was being called by those who loved and cherished him, keeping up with events in each other lives.  Depending on his location, he was able to visit and spend time with his relatives and friends as he drove across the country. 

Carl was considered loyal, a good listener, provided solid advice and always willing to help others in need.  During his earlier years, his nickname was “Carlos”.  He also had a passion for nice cars, photography, carpentry, fixing and building things, and was a self-described jack-of-all-trades.  He enjoyed playing chess, teaching his nephew Todd and anyone else willing to learn.  He also played dominoes, bid whist, and listening to jazz with his favorite song being, “In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington. His favorite dishes to cook were spaghetti, chili, tuna fish, and homemade burgers which were all delicious!

His loving parents John H. and Gertrude James recently preceded him in death and he leaves behind his loving sister Patricia James-Stewart (Gerald, Sr.) and nephews Todd Oliver and Brandon Alexander Stewart, and a host of loving and caring aunts, cousins, other relatives, dedicated and valued friends including his longest childhood friend, Harold (Sonny) Wyant, Jr.

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