Charles E. James Sr

Charles Edward James, Sr., affectionately known as “Tump” was born on August 28, 1936. He was the tenth of eleven children born to Ed and Alberta James in Tensaw, Alabama. He was educated in the Mobile, Alabama, School District and graduated from Central High School. He frequently boasted about being quite a dancer in his day. He moved to St. Louis, MO, where he met and married Lemyrt Bailey and together they raised seven children. Charles, much like his dad was a tall, quiet-spoken man, but he was a strong manly man, a pillar of strength and stability. He had a strong work ethic which he instilled in all of his children. He worked long hours at Granite Steel in Illinois for a number of years before he secured a position with General Motors in St. Louis, MO. When the Corvette plant relocated to Bowling Green, KY, Charles followed with his wife and four youngest children and he continued to work for General Motors until he retired in 1999 after 31 years of service. He had a zest for life, and he loved to dress. Tump was always clean and he took that St. Louis swag with him to Bowling Green. The St. Louis crew was easily distinguished in Kentucky by their stylish attire from head to toe. After retiring, Charles enjoyed the company of his children and grandchildren, family and friends, traveling, the blues and he still enjoyed dancing. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lemyrt; parents, Ed and Alberta; two brothers, Sam and Willie; and five sisters, Georgia Mae, Geneva, Catherine, Anna Belle, and Jurushia. He leaves to cherish his memories seven children; Anthony (Sabine); Theda (Glenn); Vanessa; Beverly; Charles, Jr.; Jeffrey (Angela); and Timothy; 12 grandchildren, Brian, Nastashia, Brianna, Andreae, Carissa, Vinson, Tremaine, Charles, Keven, Brittney, Courtland and Ashley; one brother, Percy (Renate); and two sisters, Velma and Mary; special niece, Mildred; and a host of other family members and friends. On Sunday, Nov. 22, Charles joined all of his children, his brother, Percy; sister, Mary; nieces, Mildred and Belinda; nephews, and great-niece, Nicole on his last ZOOM meeting. He looked good, he was coherent and he seemed to have gotten a surge of energy. On Wednesday, November 25, he slipped into eternity as he slept. God blessed us to have Charles Edward “Tump” James, Sr., for 84 wonderful years. Sincerely, -Your friends at Burnam and Son

Charles E. James Sr

August 28, 1935 - November 25, 2020

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Charles E. James Sr

August 28, 1935 - November 25, 2020

365 Days of Grief Support

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