James Levi Pelham

James Levi Pelham was born on October 19, 1948, in Donalsonville, GA, to the late Claytee Brooks-Pelham and Levi Pelham.

He was lovingly raised by his stepfather, Jasper Brown with whom he established a very strong bond. He was the eldest brother of one sibling, Jerry Jack Pelham.

James received his entire education in Donalsonville, GA, and graduated from Seminole County Trade School in 1966. Shortly after, on January 1, 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country for two years. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, James relocated to Newark, NJ, in search of better job opportunities and moved in with extended family.

During his early days in New Jersey, he met Carol Green. They fell in love and were married on May 16,1970. From this union, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters. Thereafter, James purchased a home for his family and moved from Newark, NJ to Irvington, NJ then settled in Iselin, NJ. James established a lifelong career as a truck driver, starting with Coca-Cola Co., and later transitioned to long-distance trucking with New Car Carrier Trucking and AMX Trucking. 

In 1991, James returned to his southern roots in Donalsonville, GA, where he retired from Wagoneer Car Carrier Trucking in 2008. Upon his return back home, he gave his life to Christ and joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Donalsonville, GA.  James was also a proud member of the Seminole County Training School Class Reunion Committee, where he served as Assistant Treasurer for several years. Having completed all of his academics in the South, James deeply understood the importance of quality education and advanced degrees. He and his classmates were instrumental in providing academic scholarships to many high school seniors entering their first year of college.

Affectionately known as Jimmy, “Phats,” or simply Daddy, James was a true jack of all trades. With his toolbox in hand and a variety of trinkets in his massive tool shed, he built and remodeled houses, decks, cars, and trucks. There was nothing James couldn’t fix or build, and he took great pride in ensuring everything he was involved in was done with precision and perfection.

James was a generous, loving man who adored his family and was always ready to help anyone in need. His charming smile could brighten anyone’s day. As particular as he was everyone who knew James, knew he had a heart of gold! Even in his later years, despite his health challenges, James ensured that his daughters and grandchildren were well cared for and financially secure. He was a firm believer in the importance of financial literacy, education, and being aware of the world’s political injustices. His family was the heartbeat of his existence, and he was especially thrilled when he learned he would finally have a grandson and great-grandson.

James is preceded in death by his parents Claytee & Jasper, brother Jerry Jack, and dearest friend Nancy Henry. He leaves to cherish in his memory; two daughters, Stacy (Dexter) and Sonya (New Jersey); five grandchildren, Janada, Jelisa, Sharde, Simone, and Samir; three great-grandchildren, Noah, Sai Ari, and Niarah; his ex-wife, Carol Mitchell (New Jersey); his stepbrother, Jasper Brown Jr. (Georgia); special friend Betty Edwards (Texas) and her daughters, Charissa and Shareiko, including their children who affectionately called him “Pop-Pop”, our beloved Caretaker Rose Weems, close friends Billy Williams and Carl Cainion including a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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