NATHANIEL JAMES

Thanks be unto God for 76 years of life.  The gift of a hero, a champion, a warrior, a builder, a visionary, a gospel preacher, and entrepreneur.  A beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Nathaniel Hawthorne James, Jr. was the seventh of eleven children born June 30, 1944 in Grandfield, Oklahoma to Rev. Nathaniel Hawthorne Sr. and Carrie Bell James.

N. H. James attended Douglass and Duncan High School.  He served as a Wishful Master of the Masonic Lodge and was the youngest appointee at that time.

Supt. N. H. James was a family man.  He had a great love for his wife and children as well as his mother, father, brothers, sisters and extended family.  His favorite joy was spending time at the annual James Family Reunion.

N. H. James was appointed pastor at the Jones Chapel Church of God in Christ in 1977.  After only two years as pastor, he led the church congregation in the building effort of a new 2,500 square foot edifice and later changed the name to the Word of Life Church of God in Christ.  The church grew under the ministry of Pastor and First Lady Kaye James.  He had a thriving men’s ministry with almost 10 ministers and deacons.  He taught the Young Men’s Christian Council every Sunday morning which was a special time for the men to learn about how to be good husbands and fathers and to serve and honor God.  First Lady James led a dynamic prayer ministry that impacted many lives.

N. H. James was pastor for over 28 years, He served as the Oklahoma Southeast Jurisdiction Chairman of the Elders council for 15 years, the Assistant Superintendent of the Duncan District for over 26 years and as Superintendent of the Duncan District for 2 years.

After working for Sun Oil Corporation for 15 years, he left and founded his own company, Central Electric.  As a master electrician he was responsible for wiring, installing light fixtures, and maintenance of central air conditioning units all over the city of Duncan, Oklahoma City and Midland, Texas.  Notable projects include the Veteran’s Hospital (OKC), Tinker Air Force Base, and the medical complex offices in Duncan. He also wired and installed all of the electrical components and wiring at the church he pastored in Duncan.

N. H. James was the executive director and founder of CITY (Community Interested in Today’s Youth).  CITY was a program designed to help young people build their self esteem and learn skills such as job preparation, money management and home health care.  It consisted of a Training and Development program and a Sports program.  Many young people within the community of Duncan participated and benefited from the mentorship and support the program offered.

James also acted as an advocate for youth who had gotten in trouble with the law in the City of Duncan.  He would prevent them from serving jail time by enrolling them in his mentorship program and teaching them about their heritage and how they were descendants of Kings and Queens.  As long as the juveniles participated in his program they would get a recommendation from James and a second chance.

Two of his favorite songs were “Remember Me” and “Is My Living in Vain”. When he retired and moved to Texas he still loved to worship and praise.  Throughout his sickness he never lost his praise or wavered in his faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. N. H. and Carrie James; five siblings: Bernice Brown, Erma Jean Brown, Maethaniel White Lauretta Brand, and Katherine Carr.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife, Kaye Frances James; five children: Terry Allan James (Romonda), Nathaniel Hawthorne James III (Beverly), Denise Roshun James, LaSonya Recquel Williams (Kevin), and Angela Michelle James; Nine grandchildren: Blake James (Whitney), Tiara James, Nathaniel James, Amanda James, Kevin Williams (Audrie), Keldon Williams (Zahrea) Cortney Williams, Jabrey James, and Kenedi Harvey; Eleven great grandchildren: Jordan Williams, Jaidyn Moore, Kerington James, Blake James, Crystal James, Shane Williams, Kyson McPherson, King McPherson, Legend Williams and Kyler James; one brother, Bishop Leonard James (Linda), four sisters, Joyce Brown (Maurice), Letty Thompson (Buddy), Diane Ellis, and Patsy Martin (Otis) and host of nephews, cousins, and friends.