Tommie James

Obituary For Tommie James

Tommie Dowe James, 85, passed away quietly on 5/19/20. Tommie was born 12/18/34 in Durham County to the late Samuel and Christine James. He grew up in West Durham and was a member of West Durham Pentecostal Church. As a young boy, he could always be found in the backyard with his brother and friends enjoying the simple things in life, one day at a time. He will be remembered as an outstanding pedal steel guitar player. He and his brother Luther played in local bands and later both joined the US Air Force in 1956, serving in Japan until 1960. While in the Air Force, he continued to play the steel guitar in various bands and his passion for music continued throughout his life. After leaving the service, Tommie enjoyed a long career in sales with the telephone company. He was preceded in death by a son, Steve James. He is survived by his brother, Luther James (Sandra), sister, Melissa Gilbert (Fred), his special daughter, Paula Williams (Lee), a son Tim Clever (Heather) and son, Ricky James along with 8 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was never far away from his sidekick grandson, Jayce. Tommie was a humble man of few words who loved his family, believed in God and served his Country.