Reverend James Lashae Blackledge, Jr. “Jay Bird”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 celebration of life for Reverend James Lashae Blackledge, Jr. James was born to James L. Blackledge, Sr. and Ingrid Williams-Blackledge, on April 2, 1980.
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James professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Lake Grove M.B. Church, Jericho, Arkansas, under the pastoral leadership of his father, Rev. James L. Blackledge, Sr. who baptized him. Later he joined Bethel A.M.E. Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. C. E. Ware. James excelled at an early age at Ms. Lees Montessori School with exceptional learning skills. James attended Hanley Elementary and later Snowden School, where he was the singing Christmas Tree. This was the start of his musical ministry. James was a member of the youth fraternity with the East Arkansas O.E.S. and Knights of Pythagoras. James performed in the W.C. Handy Theater at Liberty Land, where he had a starring role. This broadened his career path in music and theater, which lead him to Wooddale Optional School, where he excelled. James was the recipient of numerous awards, including All-West Tennessee Choir and All-State Tennessee Choir, where he sang first tenor. He also sang with the Bryan Hunter Chorale and The Metropolitan Mass Church. James performed at various venues across the city and other states. James was very astute in his musical career. James was very diverse and displayed his musical genius by playing and singing and teaching, coaching, and conducting workshops for various choirs and churches. James further expanded his educational scope by attending Remington College. He earned an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Information Technology. James was a connoisseur of food and meticulous about his music, and his hair was his pride and joy; all of it had to be perfected. It was always a pleasure for James to accompany his grandmother “Mary-Grandmommie” and Cousin Ana on the organ and piano, and such a joy to watch our family play, sing and glorify God together. One of his most significant accomplishments was leading the
Arkansas district choir as the Minister of Music for the East Arkansas District Association. Although this was an excellent accomplishment for James, his biggest achievement was being ordained as one of God’s chosen ministers. In 1996 James was ordained and chosen to spread the Gospel according to Jesus Christ by Moderator G. C. Simpson of the East Arkansas District Association. JAMES: “THE TRUE PRAISER AND WORSHIPPER OF GOD !!!”. James’s grandparents preceded him in death: Maternal Grandparents: Rev. Mary Jean Evans, Mr. Hampton May. Paternal Grandparents: Mrs. Johnell Greer, Mr. Willie Blackledge. Two Uncles preceded him in death: Norman Shapiro Greer and Mose Thompson Britt/ Two Aunts preceded him in death: Essie Williams and Hursean Nicholson. James leaves to mourn his passing: his parents Rev. James L, Sr. and Ingrid Williams-Blackledge. A loving and devoted Sister: Elnora Marie Antoinette Blackledge (Frederick, Sr.) Lee. Nieces and nephew, D’Aubre Nicole Blackledge-Lee, Jayla Hursean Lee, Frederick, Jr., Felicia Lee, and Juliauna Marie Blackledge-Lee. Four uncles: Charlie Ed “Chuck” Thomas III (Sherri), Robert John Cleveland Britt, and Willie James “Hollywood” Evans III (Natasha), Howard (Eleanor) Greer. Two Aunts: Violet Myers, Gloria Shered, and Viola Greer, goddaughter: Desiraye Alexander. God sisters, Lynette Garrett, Denise Bernard. A very special friend Nekita Stokes and a close friend Kaye McDaniel, and a host of family and friends to mourn his absence. The Legacy, The Heritage, and The Mantle of Prayer are now passed on to us to pick up and continue in it. He is now resting in the arms of ‘Jesus” as we celebrate his life today.
C
herished Memories
CCelebration L elebration of
ife
Saturday, July 3, 2021 | 11:00 A.M.
Lord’s Tabernacle Holiness Church
2818 Midland Avenue | Memphis, Tennessee 38111
Pastor Melvin Kneeland ~Officiating~
Processional
Facilitator - Prophet Orlando Carter, LTHC Selection.....................................................................Lord’s Tabernacle Holiness Church Choir Scripture Reading: Old & New Testament..................................................................Elder David Brooks, LTHC Prayer..............................................................................Elder Donald Coleman, LTHC Church Selection.....................................................................Lord’s Tabernacle Holiness Church Choir
Expressions of Love:
(Friends) 3 Minutes, Please The Collins: Elder Eddie and Angela Collins, LTHC Kaye Brownlee McDaniel | Annette Shegog | Mae Pigues Selection.........................................................................Lake Grove M.B. Church Family Choir Pastor James L. Blackledge, Sr. Words of Encouragement..........................................................................Rev. Dr. Carnell Lewis
Pastor Truevine Baptist Church, Sunset Ark.
Expressions of Love:
(Friends) 3 Minutes, Please The Smith’s: Rosemary and Albert - Truevine Baptist Church Pastor Patrick and Lady Sandra Franklin - Victory Tabernacle Holiness Church Evangelist Gladys Fulton - godmother, LTHC Acknowledgments....................................................................................Dr. Gloria Rolfe, LTHC
Expressions from the Family: Dad’s Side: Aunt Violet Mom’s Side: Uncle Chuck
Selection.....................................................................Lord’s Tabernacle Holiness Church Choir Eulogy....................................................................................................Pastor Melvin Kneeland Recessional
Pastor of Lord’s Tabernacle Holiness Church
Facilitator - Prophet Orlando Carter, LTHC
LOVING MEMORIES OF A SPECIAL SON To lose someone so special is really hard to bear it hardly seems believable that you’re no longer there You left us far too early before your time, it seems chance and now you’ll never have the to fulfill all those dreams However hard it is though ht we’ll take comfort in the thoug of all the memories we have and the happiness you brought l You always lived life to the ful but ours won’t be the same until the day when we can see your smiling face again. ~Mom
In My Heart
I thought of you today. But that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday. And days before that too. I think of you in silence. I often speak your name. Now all I have are memories. And your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake. With which I’ll never part. God has you in his keeping. I have you in my heart. ~Dad
To My
LTributes oving
Brother
I said a prayer for you to thank the Lord above for blessing me with a lifetime of your tenderhearted love. I thanked God for the caring you’ve shown me through the years. for the closeness, we’ve enjoyed in time of laughter and of tears. And so, I think you from the heart for all you’ve done for me and I bless the Lord for giving me the best brother there could be!
Love, Your Sister
~Acknowledgements ~
A friendly smile, a casual touch, these are things that mean so much. To know you are with us in our time of sorrow, sharing our prayers, today and tomorrow. God gives us the comfort in the form of family and good friends. May His peace be with you, His love never ends.
~The Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~ Charlie Ed “Chuck” Thomas III Robert John Cleveland Britt
Willie James “Hollywood” Evans III LaBaron Morgan Pastor Reginald Leach
Howard Greer Reginald Matthews Normal “Hen” Henderson Frederick Lee, Sr.
~ Active Pallbearers ~ Ronald Wade Stephen Carter Erick Stout Jamal Meyers Mario Williams
Billy Meyers Garrettson Duncan Aaron Glass DeAngelo Bodyes
~Interment ~
Memphis Memory Gardens 6444 Raleigh LaGrange Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38134
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~ Repast ~ Family Funeral Care
4925 Summer Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38122
Funeral Services Entrusted to:
Family Funeral Care 4925 Summer Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38122
Jerry M. Harrison 901.351.0753 myhsticalprinting@aol.com