Mr. James Raymond “Bookman” Surratt entered into eternal life on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at his residence in Shelby, NC. He was born on March 28, 1959 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Kathleen Allison Surratt and the late Charlie Hopper.

James was a graduate of Shelby High School. After graduating from high school, he enlisted into the U. S. Army serving four years in the very distinguished 82nd Airborne division. He was also served as an outstanding cook.

James was a very active member of Hoppers Chapel Baptist Church. He was a devoted trustee and worked in the kitchen helping to feed the homeless. His love for helping others also extended itself as a lunch buddy for Jefferson Elementary School. Always a very hard worker, James was a Certified Nursing Assistant working with Cleveland Medical Center and private duty for the Raymer Family. He also was a transporter for the hospital.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Surratt and foster father, Theodore Byers. James was a much beloved brother and leaves fond memories to his surviving sisters, Linda Degree of Lowell, MA, Cathy Surratt and Gloria Roseboro both of Shelby, Wanda Phifer of Charlotte, NC and Fatha Surratt of Shelby; goddaughter, Tiedra Hopper; foster mother, Mary Byers; one aunt, Etta Mae Choate; one uncle, Howard Lee Allison and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 3:30 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church. Burial will take place at the Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until 3:30 PM at the church.