Clarence James, Sr.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Sunrise: September 3, 1920 Sunset: March 30, 2022
Friday, April 8, 2022 
10:00 AM Family Hour 11:00 AM Funeral Services 
Conant Avenue United Methodist Church 
18600 Conant Ave. • Detroit, Michigan 48234 
Reverend Audrey Mangum, Officiating

WORDS FROM THE HEART

When I think of my father, I think of strength... the strength of a man who has always stood beside me and inspired me to be my very best. When I think of my father, I think of respect... the kind of respect that makes people treat him with the honor and dignity he deserves. When I think of my father, I think of pride... the pride of our people and the legacy of our forefathers

Love, Dianne and Michael

OBITUARY

Clarence James Sr. was born September 3, 1920, to Miles and Lourettia James in Garnett, South Carolina. He was one of eleven children born to this union.

Clarence attended Garnett Public School. Shortly after his education, he enlisted into the military and served in World War II, where he received several military awards. In 1946, Clarence was honorably discharged.

In 1946, Clarence met the love of his life, Nellie Small. He later moved to Detroit, Michigan, and Nellie soon followed to reunite with her husband to be. In March 1947, they were joined in holy matrimony. To this union, three children were born: Clarence Jr., Michael, and Dianne.

In 1947, the couple joined Mary Palmer Methodist Church, later becoming Conant Avenue United Methodist Church. He loved the church and its members. He served on the Usher Board and was a member of The United Methodist Men. He served in each capacity with pride and enthusiasm. Each year, he looked forward to the semiannual pancake breakfast. Working with others, collaboratively and meeting new people brought him joy.

Clarence was affectionately known as, "Mr. James," "Daddy James," "Lil Man," "Cold Duck," "Dad," "Twinkle Toes" (for his dancing skills) and referred by some as a "Bonus Dad." He owned a Black 2002 PT Cruiser, which became his Pride and Joy. He enjoyed collecting news articles from The Michigan Chronicle. The articles became a part of his Hall of Fame wall, located in his garage. The articles were stories of prominent people, celebrities, politicians and athletes. His garage was his sanctuary. Every summer, he looked forward to hosting a cookout with family and friends. Restoring old furniture and gardening were his favorite hobbies.

Clarence was employed with Chrysler Automotive for thirty years and retired. After ten years of retirement, he decided to take a job working for Thompson Funeral Home, where Rose Thompson presided as the Director. He proudly served grieving families by transporting them to and from the funeral home to their loved ones final resting place. Mr. James was rewarded for his professionalism and dedication. After his retirement, the Thompson Family and the James Family maintained a lifetime friendship.

Clarence's loving wife of fifty-four years, Nellie; son, Clarence Jr.; parents, Miles and Lourettia James; and all of his siblings, Carrie, Ada, John, Roosevelt, Allen, Abram, Lacy, Andrew, Charlotte, and Nancy, preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his precious and loving memory: two children, Michael James and Dianne (Maurice) Brown; six grandsons, Hasaan Collier, Jermaine (Lenora) Collier, Javon Collier, Anthony (Latrice) Cade, Shaun (Toi) Cade, and Maurice (Paige) Brown II; eleven great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; one lifetime friend, Claude Strickland; a friend, Marlene; neighbors, Ann, Roshawnda, Daisy, Les, and Bob; a very loving and dedicated caregiver, Rod; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus daughters, and friends.

ORDER OF SERVICE

Organ Prelude............................................................................................. Darrell Matthews

Welcome................................................................. Pastor Audrey Mangum

rocessional................................................................................................ Clergy and Family

Hymn........................................................................................ Instrumental

Prayer...................................................................... Pastor Audrey Magnum

Scripture.................................................... 23rd Psalm........... Pastor Audrey Magnum

Musical Selection.............................................................. Juliaette Hamilton

Acknowledgment of Cards, Condolences

and Obituary.............................................................................. Sonya James

Presentations................................ Military Service and Senior Usher Board

Remarks.......................................... 2 minutes please.................... Family and Friends

Musical Selection.................................................................................. Juliaette Hamilton

Eulogy........................................................................................... Ministry Sharon Appling

Omo Zion UMC

Recessional................................................................................................ Clergy and Family

Organ Postlude..............................................................................................

PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth
my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's
sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil.. for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil,• any cup runneth over. Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

PALLBEARERS

Hasaan Collier    Anthony Cade
Jermaine Collier    Shaun Cade
Javon Collier    Maurice Brown II

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

James Hardy, Sr             Wayne Grice

FLOWER BEARERS

Family and Friends

FINAL ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO:

Thompson Funeral Home, Inc

15443 Greenfield Rd, Detroit, MI (313) 272-4300

7642 Dexter Ave., Detroit, MI (313) 897-0900

INTERMENT

Woodlawn Cemetery

19975 Woodward Ave

Detroit, Michigan 48203

Acknowledgement of Appreciation

With sincere appreciation the family would like to acknowledge all acts of kindness shown to the family during this time of bereavement.