Mr. Leroy James

July 16, 1936 - July 8, 2015

The Life Celebration of Leroy James Retired Sergeant First Class Leroy James, after the birth and premature passing of twins Lurlene and Elizabeth, was the third child born to the late Hazel James, Jr. and Clara Bell James on July 16, 1936 in Sumter, South Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Wednesday July 8, 2015 at Tuomey Medical Center. Leroy was educated at Congruity School and Eastern High School in Gable, South Carolina. Roy, as he was referred to by many family members, left high school to join the army from 1954 to 1957. He returned to school and earned his high school diploma in 1962, after which he re-enlisted. In 1963, Roy married Alveta Jefferson. To that union was born their only son, Michael Leonard. Though their marriage ended after many years, they remained lifelong friends. During his tenure in the Armed Forces, Leroy received many distinguished honors including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service Bars (2), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (2), Good Conduct Medal (5th Awd), Expert Qualification Badge (Rifle M16), Vietnam Cross Gallantry with Palm. He chose to stay in the military in until his son finished college and retired in 1982. After a combined 21 years of military service, Roy joined the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Not one to remain stagnant, he continued to serve his country by transporting students safely to and from school as a bus driver, often sharing stories of his adventures. He could go on and on talking to you about 'his' kids as if you knew them personally. Roy took great pride in his service. Leroy was a lifelong member and Elder of Congruity Presbyterian Church. He also frequently visited other local churches including Mt. Pisgah AME Church, St. James Holiness Church and Ebenezer AME Church. After years of bachelorhood, Roy became reacquainted with high school classmate, Lynell Johnson Ransom. This relationship developed into a romance and on December 20, 2014 at Roy's tender age of 78, the two of them were joined in marriage before their children, grandchildren, extended family, loved ones and friends. While they were enjoying wedded bliss as newlyweds, Leroy became increasing ill. He rightfully credits his devoted wife, Lynell as being attentive, dressing his post-surgery wounds, cooking great meals and generally taking good care of him. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Jr. and Clara Bell James; his siblings Lurlene, Lizzie, Willie, Mary Louise, Hazel Jr., Bernie, Paralee, Robert Lee, Alexander and Jimmy Wesley. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Lynell; son Michael L. James (Rhonda), grandchildren Michael James II, Rachael James and Mitchel James (all of Bronx, NY); step-children Bruce McCrae (of Maysville, SC) and Keturah Ransom; step-grandchildren Lynell Horry, Lisa Horry, Luana Horry and James Horry (all of Queens, NY); brothers Joseph James and Ben Earl James (of Sumter, SC); godmother Mazie Illery (of Sumter, SC), brothers-in-law Alonzo Garland and Alphonzo Garland (both of Moreno Valley, CA); nephews - Samuel (Pop), Ricky, Bernell, William, Rodney, Ricardo, Gaylord Jr., Michael, Norris, Christopher, Antonio, Joseph Jr., Kenneth, Edward and Randy; nieces - Beverly, Kimberly, Margaret Ann, Pamela Singleton, Jeanne, Marilyn, Clara (Cookie), Jocelyn, Tomeka, Kim J, Denise, Shedaricka, Pamela Simon and Bianca; special friends Walter Simon, Alveta James, Harold Britton and Shirley James as well as a host of other family, friends and loved ones.