Roy Edward

James, Sr.

At an early age, Mr. James united with Mt. Olive #2 Missionary Baptist Church, Jackson, AL. After uniting in holy matrimony to Miss Willie Pearl Kinder on June 25, 1975, he moved to the Salitpa Community and begin attending Good Hope Baptist Church.

Affectionately known as "Gripper", Mr. James was a 1974 graduate of Jackson High School. He enjoyed basketball, football, and mentoring/coaching Pee Wee Football. He was an avid fan of the LA Lakers. After 28 years of employment, Mr. James recently retired from Boise/PCA as an operator. He was a very loving and kind gentleman who never met a stranger and was a friend to all who knew him.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two aunts, Thelma Coleman and Arlean Smith; two uncles, William "Doe" McKenzie and Mance McKenzie, two devoted friends, Milton Bracy and Waudell Tucker; brother-in-law, Joe Harmon, and his devoted mother-in-law, Rosie Lee Cox.

He will be forever cherished in the hearts of his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Mrs. Willie Pearl Kinder James of Jackson, AL; two sons, DeJuan James of Seattle, WA and Roy Edward James. Jr. of Jackson, AL; one daughter, Nicki (Antorius) Craig of Jackson, AL; mother, Lillie B. James of Jackson, AL; seven grandchildren, Declintae James of Sunflower, AL, Ashanti James and Nyiomi James, both of Seattle, WA, Tyrese Foxx, Elijah James, Amaya Craig and Laycei Pritchett, all of Jackson, AL; father-in-law, Rev. Johnnie Cox of Jackson, AL; devoted brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Norman Kinder (Bonita), Carrie Harmon, Demos Kinder, Roneca Beckham (Robert), all of the Salitpa Community of Jackson, Al., Trecia McGee of Niceville Fl., Craig Cox (Shelia) of Coffeeville, Al., Johnny Cox III (Sandy) of Houston Texas, Willie Cox (Jewel) of Seattle Washington, Michael Cox of Las Vegas NV, Reginald Cox of the Salitpa Community of Jackson, AL; one uncle, Dave McKenzie of Jackson, AL; two devoted friends, Gary Byers of Mobile, AL and Sammy Holly of Atmore, AL; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins (Kendrick James, cousin adopted as a brother), and other relatives and friends.

Graveside service and burial will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, 11am at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, 9775 AL-69 in the Salitpa Community of Jackson, AL. Rev. Derrick Powell, eulogist. Due to COVID-19, a repast will not be held.

Services with sympathetic care and legendary professionalism entrusted to Andrews Funeral Home, 800 Depot Road, Jackson, AL. A facial mask is required and social distancing will be implemented at all observances.