Captain Clarence James' Obituary
Clarence James, devoted beloved child of God, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, was born into time in Chicago, IL in 1932 and was born into eternity in Plano, TX on November 1, 2010. Clarence, the oldest child of Amon Clarence James and Grace Ella Burt James, graduated from Gladstone Elementary and Crane High School in Chicago. Clarence married his love, Ruth James, in 1954. Three children were born into this sacred union – Cheryl, Debra and Bruce. Clarence was a man of many talents. During his 78.5 years on this earth he served as a bus driver for the City of Chicago, member of the Army National Guard – from which he retired with the rank of Captain after 20 years of service, accounts manager at IBM, accountant, member of the Senior Advisory Board of his village, a hospice worker with Vitas, and as a student at Triton College, Roosevelt University, and Eastville College. His greatest pleasure, however, was serving the Lord. Clarence’s love for God infused his every word, thought and deed. As a result, Clarence gained and maintained the respect, love and devotion of his wife, children, family, friends, co-congregants, neighbors, and co-workers. During his many years he was pleased to worship the Lord with several congregations, including Mount Hebron Baptist Church of Chicago; Second Baptist Church of Maywood, IL; New Faith Baptist Church of Matteson, IL; and Barcelona Road Baptist Church of Hot Springs Village, AK. While part of these congregations, at various times he served as Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, Deacon, and Chairman of the Deacon Board. At the time of his passing Clarence was an active member of Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church of Garland, TX , where he served as Deacon, and as a missionary on the Evangelical Outreach Team. Clarence also volunteered with the Baptist General Convention of Texas – Lifecall Mission. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and sister Florence (Johnny). He leaves to mourn his passing his: Love, Wife and Soul-mate Ruth; Devoted Children Cheryl (Jerry), Debra (Clarence), and Bruce; Cherished Grandchildren Jerry, Angela (Chuck), Philip, Joshua, Jermill, Amon, Sariah and Nathaniel; and Precious Great-Granddaughter Mikayla. Clarence, the oldest of 6 children, also leaves to mourn his passing his: Dedicated Siblings Howard, Evelyn (Robert), Demetrius, and Julia (William); several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Celebrations of Clarence’s life will be held as follows: Wake: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 6 pm – 8 pm at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX, 75243, Telephone # 972-238-7111. Celebration Service: Sunday, November 7, 2010, Visitation: 4 pm – 5 pm, and Service: 5 pm – 7 pm, Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, 1233 State Hwy 66, Garland, TX 75040, Telephone # 972-276-5218. Interment: 12:45PM Monday, November 8, 2010, Dallas Forth Worth National Cemetery.
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