Mr. Edward James, 61, was born on March 27, 1961, and was the son of Thomas A. James and the late Jacolia “Jackie” Hall James. He departed this life on June 29, 2022, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville.

Edward graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., and later attended Mitchell Community College in Statesville, N.C. Prior to his death, he was employed by William T. Burnett as a maintenance supervisor. He was married to JoAnn Juanita Davis James, who preceded him in death.

In addition to his wife and mother, he was preceded in death by his sister, Shahidah Rasheed; his mother-in-law, Alma Davis; sisters-in-law, Stacey Davis and Sheena Booker; and brothers-in-law, Robert Davis and Floyd Davis.

He leaves to cherish the memories of his life his father, Thomas A. James of Trenton, N.J.; one son, Raymond Edward Davis of Statesville; two daughters, Naquwana T. Davis of Clermont, Fla., and Juanique (Michael) Woody Johnson of Statesville; a special daughter, Aashley Savoy of Mocksville, N.C.; two brothers, Thomas A. James of Greensboro, N.C., and Darrin (Linda) James of the Bronx, N.Y.; a bonus brother, Ronald Hall of Queens, N.Y.; three sisters, Valerie Bynum of Greensboro, N.C., Lynda James-Smith (Andre) of Norfolk, Va., and Teresa Nelson of Trenton, N.J.; a special niece, Paschelle (Lawrence) Beasley of Jersey City, N.J.; a special best friend, Ryan Jones; sisters-in-laws, Regina Davis Jones (Reggie) of Lenoir, N.C., Tracey Davis of Plainfield, N.Y., and Raylla Davis of Mooresville, N.C.; twelve grandchildren, Maya Robinson, Kierra Johnson, Travis “Tra” Ramseur II, Michael Johnson Jr., Alayah Johnson, Tenia Davis, Mekiaun Davis, Kendall Davis, Olivia Davis, Ivy Stockton, Amiya Butler, and DeYana Savoy; three great grandchildren, Bradyn Ramseur, Akari Johnson, and Kinsley Armstrong; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Statesville Covenant Cathedral. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. at the church.

Visit the book of memories for Edward James at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary, Statesville, is serving the James family.