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John H. James was born on November 24, 1924 to the late Reverend Elias and Laura James in Dallas County, Alabama. John was one of twelve children born to this union with now only two siblings remaining Aaron (Georgia (Pearl)) James of Cleveland, Ohio and Laurene Brown of Las Vegas, Nevada. He confessed Christ at an early age and became a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Orrville, Alabama.
John graduated from Keith High School in Orville, Alabama and was later drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1944. John completed basic training in Bainbridge, Maryland. He was stationed for 16 months on Guam in the Northern Mariana Island in the Pacific where he worked as a barber during his tour. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1946.
He returned to Alabama to marry the love of his life the late Gertrude Rembert James on December 13, 1950. The couple moved to Cleveland, Ohio and Carl Leon and Patricia Dian were born. John and Gertrude shared a faithful and loving 70 years of marriage. John was dedicated to his family and provided a spiritual foundation, happy childhood memories and good experiences for his children.
John worked at Nylonge Corporation (a chemical plant) as a Foreman for 41 years and retired in 1983. During his early marriage he completed drafting courses and used these skills on the job and at his home where you could find him building/designing with wood.
John was an avid reader of his newspapers reading from cover to cover (The Plain Dealer, Cleveland Press and the Call & Post). His day began and ended with his newspapers, sometimes to the dismay of his wife! John felt that it was important to be informed about the activities of the community and world events. John purchased from local black business whenever he could as a way to be supportive.
John had the memory of an elephant, remembering names, dates, and locations with details of events, which was noticeable in his conversations of the good old days, family reunions and the like. John also had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening. He maintained a vegetable garden and flower beds, nurtured his still yielding apple and pear trees for decades. This past year, 2020 was the first year he was unable to tend to his gardens.
The James’ enjoyed traveling to Alabama for two weeks during the summers for 15 years in a row during Carl and Pat’s formative years to expose them to rural country living. John enjoyed visiting his siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. They stayed with Gertrude’s mother during these visits. Often, they would bring back to Cleveland a family member wanting to move up north; staying with the family and helping them to get settled. John and Gertrude had a special group of friends where each couple hosted these special gatherings throughout the year. His love of family, and its history led him to be in attendance to most, if not all family reunions held throughout the country.
John enjoyed top quality cars and other objects. Owning at one time four cars! He would select the best furnishing for home and fashion for self and his family. The cost didn’t matter, if it was something that he wanted! Antique shopping and going out to dinner were a family activity especially on Sundays if there were no afternoon church service.
The James’ joined New Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1952 where John served as a dedicated Trustee, Deacon and Sunday School Teacher without waiver. John was an active supporter and faithful servant in the church until the health of his wife declined a few years ago. John loved the Lord and his church family! He will be remembered for his diligence in his heart felt prayers and singing of powerful hymns during prayer service and at home.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gertrude, brothers: C.W. Riddle, twins Kamanual and Nathanial James and Henry James; sisters: Ethel Fail, Johnnie Mae Olds, Annie Mae Fair, Lucy James and Ella Mae Dean.
He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories, son, Carl Leon, adoring daughter, Patricia James-Stewart (Gerald, Sr.), grandsons, Todd Oliver Stewart and Brandon Alexander Stewart and Gerald Stewart, Jr. (Tanescia) his remaining siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
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