George Franklin James

George “Jimmy” Franklin James was born October 10, 1945 to George and Lucille (Moore) James. He spent a lot of time in his youth with his grandparents Moses and Annie B. (Love) Moore and his Aunt Mary (Moore) Jenkins at their home on Morris Street in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

As a teenager George shot a little pool, did archery, and was a Junior Rifleman, Junior Lifeguard, Central High Junior Basketball player, Central High Varsity Football player and avid Chess Player.  Every year that he was on the football team, he was invited to the All-City Players Dinner.  He was good!

George was humble, though, and artistic as well as athletic. He loved photography and was known as the “Picture Man” at the Charles C. Anderson American Legion Post 148.  He could play the piano by ear and had a beautiful singing voice; he let few people know about that one, though!  He was also an excellent dancer!

George watched TV and loved playing games and listening to gospel music on his smart phone. He could be quiet until he got with his male buddies on a subject.  Then you couldn’t keep him quiet!  George was a Veteran and served honorably in the U. S. Navy where he was voted as the “Honor Man” by his Boot Camp Training Unit at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.

George had a true Christ-like character of giving and forgiving. He loved the Lord and would say, “The Lord is good!”  He joined Pilgrim Baptist Church as a youth under Rev. John Dixie and later under Rev. Sam Shade.  He reinstated his membership in 2015 under Interim Pastor Clarence Hicks. He has been under the prayer and watch-care of Fulfillment in Christ Ministries where his sister Mary is the pastor.  The members of Fulfillment have been with him every step of the way through his illness and surgeries.

George was loyal to people in his life and was a provider.  He took good care of his sister Mary.  She never knew what it was like to pay for a car repair; he did all of the car repairs for her. George had, repeat HAD, to have his sister cook him breakfast EVERY morning.  Before he had his first stroke on April 23, 2014, he was a gourmet cook.  Dinner was always cooking or ready when his sister got off work.  He loved to travel, including with his mom, and later in life with his biological sister Mary and his spiritual sister Mary Richardson. He would also take people on vacations with him at his expense.  He loved to see others happy.

George and his sister Mary were close and loved to tease and laugh together everyday.  George could have his sister rolling with tears of laughter.  He had a faithful caretaker Morristene Dixon and “special nieces”, especially Virginia Richardson, Reneatia White, Annie Jackson, and Rose Hardy.

George was preceded in physical death by parents George and Lucille (Moore) James and his maternal grandparents Moses and Annie (Love) Moore.  George is survived by his sister Mary James Wray and many cousins and friends.  He was loved and will be remembered by many.

 

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