The Obituary
O
n Sunday June, 15, 2014 a loving husband, father, friend and man of God took his rest and went home to be with his Heavenly Father. Brother Roy Lee James was born April 3, 1946 in Marion, Arkansas to Frank and Lucile (Woods) James, who preceded him in transition.
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Roy spent his early years surrounded by his family- his great-grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and parents, of whom he spoke fondly of and shared many funny stories of growing up in Marion. He was a very smart child and skipped the 1st grade! To further his education at the age of 11, his mother entrusted him to his twin uncles Willie and William in Little Rock. He attended Capitol Hill Elementary in the 6th grade and attended Dunbar Junior High and Horace Mann High School. Growing up in the civil rights era in Little Rock, gave him a unique perspective, stories to share and life-long bonds. He cherished his memories of Horace Mann and graduated in 1963. He started college in the Fall of 1963 at Philander Smith College where he made lasting friendships, pledged the Beta Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in 1965 of which he is a life member, worked at the Sam Peck Hotel, completed his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and most importantly met the love of his life, Charlotte Ann Mays. On July 18, 1966 these two were joined in holy matrimony, and to this union four daughters were born. Roy worked hard providing for his family. Most notably, he was a field agent for Winthrop Rockefeller, Sr., a district manager and instructor for SW Bell, and worked for Horace Mann Insurance. He proudly started Roy James and Associates Insurance Agency from which he retired as an insurance broker in 1998. Roy spent his early church years at True Vine Baptist Church where he accepted Christ. His mother said she knew he would be a preacher. Roy joined Collins Temple MBC (now Canaan) upon moving to Little Rock. He later joined Bethel AME Church in 1969. He loved Bethel and served in many capacities over the years. He was a steward, trustee, a member of the Men of Bethel and Sunday school teacher. He loved to sing and was in the RK Young Singers, Male Chorus, the ABC Community Choir and enjoyed helping in the kitchen. Most importantly he accepted his call to preach in 1999 and served on the ministerial staff and was going through the process to be ordained a Local Deacon in the AME Church. Roy’s ministry included encouraging, teaching, visiting the sick, serving others, and proclaiming the Word! He loved outreach and was proudly serving on the Bags of Hope Homeless Ministry. Roy loved to cook, travel, read and talk about the Bible, listen to music, take care of his yard and drink coffee. He helped people wherever he went, giving them money, food, and donating cars. He collected ties, hats, coffee mugs, matches and eagles. His favorite scripture was Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. However his life and transition are most reflected by the words of Timothy “I have fought a good fight, I have finished course, I have kept the faith: therefore there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness!” Well done, good and faithful servant. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 47 years Charlotte; four daughters Annette Benita James-Stewart (Chris), Evelyn Elizabeth James, Natalie LeAnn James and Alexandria Grace James; six grandchildren Amethyst Nicole Stewart, Emani Elizabeth Archie, Lavender Elise Stewart, Nathan Anthony James-Archie, Nalia Michelle Brown and November Lena James; one brother Melvin James (Carolyn); two sisters Barbara Harris (Mike) and Phyllis Madison (Clint); one Uncle William H. Woods; a special cousin, Clifford Hawkins as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and his church family.
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The Homegoing Celebration of
Brother Roy Lee James
R JL Sunrise April 3, 1946 | Sunset June 15, 2014 Rev. Mary V. Williams, Officiating
The Processional Song of Praise
Soft Music “Every Praise”
The Petition to God The Proclamation of the Word Old Testament Epistle Gospel
Isaiah 40:25-31 2 Timothy 4:1-8 John 16:25-33
Rev. Justin C. Bryant
Rev. Arthur Gamble Rev. Edna Mack-Pettigrew Bro. Nathaniel Daniel
Words of Comfort Worship Through Music
“StandUp”
Expressions of Love A Friend A Fraternity Brother A Businessman A Minister A Family Man
Carol D. Willis Raymond Frazier Irma J. Toombs and James L. Greene Rev. R.J. Stevenson Clifford Hawkins
Worship Through Music
“He looked Beyond my Faults”
Resolutions Special Resolution
Mass Choir
Philander Smith Alumni Chapter
Rev. Bettie Tolefree Male Chorus
Malcolm Simmons Rebecca Green Mrs. Yvonne Alexander
A Special Tribute
Horace Mann Class of 1963
Trumpet Tribute
Clifford Wayne Hawkins
Memorial Slide Show and Reading of Obituary Solo
”Stand”
Pastor D. Lavel Crawford, Sr.
The Eulogy
Pastor D. Lavel Crawford, Sr.
The Recessional
“When the Saints Go Marching In”
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who is
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Family Reflections
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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud.” - Ann
“My first love, my protector, my defender and my friend. You taught me to dance, to play chess, how to cook, how to crack jokes and how to handle a business. “Daddy, You were a good Daddy. You loved and I still have the keychain you gave me with my first worked hard for your family. You had a servant’s heart. house key in the 3rd grade that has Isaiah 40:31 on Always willing to help someone else. You were stern it. I was your “Puddin”, riding buddy, your sports but that is how you showed your love. You liked to watcher, your bible, music and history trivia partner. have a good time, I will never forget your laugh and Your stories, our conversations, your correctives, smile. Even when you weren’t feeling well you were words of wisdom and wit, your expectations and always positive. Whenever, I called you were always so your unconditional love for me and my children have jovial and happy to talk to your Pumpkin (me). You shaped me, molded me and sustained me so far. But gave me a stained glass plaque many years ago. I still most importantly you planted a love for God in my have it. This is what it says: heart, an unwavering faith in my life, God’s Word in me and showed His light in you through your “When faced with a mountain I will not quit! I will keep kindness, your sweetness, your patience and giving of on striving until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel, your time, talent and treasures for His Kingdom. I’m go Underneath, or simply stay…and turn the mountain glad you are with the God you love, I’m glad you are into a gold mine With God’s help!” whole and healthy and praising the Lord! I love you -Robert Schuller forever.” - Evelyn You have now turned your mountain into a gold mine, Daddy. I know you were tired Daddy and ready go to be with the Lord. You are in a beautiful place now. I will never forget you and I am looking forward to seeing you in heaven one day. – Annette
“ My father led me, guided me and protected me in ways seen and not seen” - Natalie
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“My father is the man who loved me first. He is my protector. The Lord gave me my friend, my hero my strength my heart. He is and always will be me. I THANK YOU DADDY. I LOVE YOU!” – Alex Man of God
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“Life is a precious endurance, yet endure we must. As we traverse life’s experiences, we should enjoy what is possible, and we should hope for more possibilities. Mr. James was that type of thinker and we got along quite well because of it. He was my father-in-law and a friend, and he had a passion for family. He was a great representation of compassionate Manliness, and he will be missed”. – The Son-In-Law. “He was warm and very loving. Even on the days when he was tired and weak he would still greet me with a smile and open arms. Though his body slowly got weaker his soul stayed optimistic and bright.” -Amethyst “My grandfather was my best friend. I could talk to him and tell him everything. I learned so much from him, especially about loving God. He meant EVERYTHING to me. Papa will still be able to see us, our accomplishments, our celebrations, our kids… just from a different perspective than what we thought. But I’m happy he isn’t sick anymore, that he is well and in heaven watching over me.” - Emani “Papa you were always optimistic. Whenever I saw you, you were always smiling.” – Lavender “ He was my grandpa and I was his grandson. He taught me a lot of things that I will always remember and I want to be a good man like him. He could cook, dress and preach. I got me a knife and a pocket watch like you and I’m watering the grass! I will always love my pop!” –Nathan “Papa was my friend and he was great! He could cook, he was always smiling. I like riding with him and hugging him. I will miss him.” – Nalia “ I love you, Pa Pa!”- November
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Active Pallbearers Khayyam Eddings, Esq. Ryan Green Lonnie Jones Henry Brooks, IV Darryl Wilson, Sr. Eric Mays Steven K. Green Charles I. McIntosh
R JL Honorary PallBearers
Ivory Roper Caree Coleman Patterson Carr Andy Anderson The Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, INC. Men of Bethel Current and Former Sunday School Students- Senior Class, Men’s Bible Class, Couple’s Class The Male Chorus Horace Mann Class of 1963 Philander Smith Alumni Association
Expressions From the Family
We would like to thank Dr. Michael Briley, Dr. Gerry Glasco and the staff of DaVita Dialysis for all their love and care given to Roy. We would like to think everyone for the outpouring of love and support following the transition of Roy. Your prayers, visits, flowers, food, calls and cards have been comfort in our time of acceptance. We pray God’s strength will continue to sustain you as it will us during this time and ask for your continued prayers and love as we all cherish the memories of Roy. -The Family of Roy L. James
Interment Service
Mortuary Services
Interment will be at:
Oakland/Fraternal Cemetery 2101 Barber Street Little Rock, AR 72206
Services have been entrusted to:
Robinson Mortuary
1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Little Rock, AR 72202
Design Services Layout and Design by:
Kreative
Koncepts
kreativekoncepts@gmail.com RJ Stevenson - (501) 615-4876