Joseph James Sr.

PINEWOOD – Joseph James Sr., 86, entered eternal rest on Friday, May 25, 2007, at the Sumter Health and Rehabilitation Center in Sumter.

Born in Clarendon County on Sept. 22, 1920, he was a son of the late Edwin James and Ellen Billups James. He was the widower of Annie Blakely James. Educated in the public schools of Claren-don County, he was a member of Antioch AME Church, Rimini, where he was a class leader. He was also a member of Silver Lodge No. 35. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. After his military duties ended, he became a self-employed farmer for many years.

Survivors are a son, Joseph James Jr. of Sumter; eight daughters, Martha J. Dove, Mary Ellen Nance, Malvenia James, Rosa Mae Marshall, Annie Mae Young, Lucille James and Dorothy James, all of Pinewood, and Fannie Dingle of Fayetteville, N.C.; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Joseph James Sr. was preceded in death by one son, Edwin James; an infant daughter; two brothers, Semon and Lucius James; one sister, Mary James Richardson; and a grandson, Kevin J. Nance.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 1, 2007, at Antioch AME Church, Rimini, with the Rev. Georgiana Pringle, pastor.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Community Funeral Home of Sumter was in charge of the arrangements.