James Erwin Saunders, Sr., 92, was born June 9, 1928, to the late James Luico and Elsie Erwin Saunders in Gastonia, NC and died Friday morning, November 27, 2020 at the home of his son, James E. Saunders, II of Denver, NC. During his transition to eternal life, he was surrounded by his loving and caring family. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Charles L. Saunders and Claude E. Saunders; sisters: Gwendolyn S. Moten & Elizabeth Ann Velazquez.

James, affectionately called “Sonny”, was the second oldest to seven younger siblings. Sonny developed a strong work ethic assisting his father with custodial duties cleaning barber shops and stockpiling coal boxes for small businesses and his neighbors. It is during this time where he cultivated his passion for music and honed in on his singing abilities. Having to venture into the dark crawl spaces under houses to retrieve the coal, he often stated that singing lessened his “anxieties”.

Later in his secondary school years, Sonny was the lead singer for the do-op quartet the Four Jinx. They appeared at many school, church, and social functions even occasionally performing on the local radio stations!

Sonny was a graduate of Highland High School in Gastonia, NC and Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC with graduate studies at Connecticut University. After graduating from Johnson C. Smith University with a Bachelor of Science degree, he taught one year before being called to two years of service in the U.S. Army serving in the Korean conflict. He then returned to the field of teaching and coaching. Sonny touched the lives of many young students in several North Carolina counties. The most time was spent teaching Algebra and Geometry at Ranson Junior High School in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district. Throughout his retirement years, former students would recognize him and declare the profound effect he had on their lives. He was very proud of these moments. After retirement, his love of teaching continued as an instructor at the UNC Charlotte Math and Science pre-college.

Sonny was a dedicated member of Simpson Gillespie United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC for over fifty years. He served faithfully in the Chancel Choir, Men’s Choir, and Handbell Choir. Sonny was a proud member of the Simpson Trio, who sang the melodious sounds of Traditional Hymns and Negro Spirituals. Over the years, he was a member and/or officer on the Finance Committee, United Methodist Men, and Trustee. His service with the Methodist Men’s group led them to a strong program with the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. In fact, his passion for this mission championed the group to rename the ministry: James E. Saunders Shelter Ministry. During their recent Men’s Day Program, they did a tribute to Sonny. He also was involved in the planning and implementation of the new addition to the church. He further served his church by tutoring and mentoring high school church members.

Sonny was a proud and devoted member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was a model member to the new members of the Epsilon Upsilon chapter in Gastonia, NC. After he stopped driving, members would make sure that he made all of the meetings. Sonny recently received the distinguished medal for seventy years of service.

Sonny married Julia Hoffman Saunders on December 18, 1954 (nearly 66 years) and is survived by his wife; daughter, Joan S. Lee (Reginald); son, James E. Saunders, II (Stephanie); grandson, Rev. Christopher Lee (Brandy); granddaughters: Dr. Jennifer Ann Lee; Elizabeth T. Saunders and Jessica E. Saunders; great granddaughters: Erin Lee and Jordyn Lee; sisters: Doris S. Holland and Brenda S. Brown (Conard); brothers: Carroll B. Saunders and Alfred “Pete” Saunders; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of James E. Saunders, Sr. can be made to Simpson-Gillespie United Methodist Church, 3545 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216.

Arrangements are as follows: PLACE OF SERVICE: Forest Lawn West Cemetery Dignity Memorial Chapel 4601 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208

DATE: Thursday, December 3, 2020

VISITATION: Noon

OMEGA SERVICE: 12:30 p.m.

FUNERAL: 1 p.m.

BURIAL: Forest Lawn West Cemetery

PUBLIC VIEWING at the funeral home on Wednesday from 3:00 until 9:00 P.M.