James T. Peace was born on April 30, 1921, in Durham, North Carolina, to Sally Peace and John Holloway, and departed this earthly life on January 15, 2026. He lived a long and full life grounded in faith, purpose, and service. A man who deeply believed in God — whom he lovingly referred to as "the Good Lord" — he often reminded those around him to trust in God and to keep moving.
Raised in a small, close-knit community in East Durham, known as Lyon's Hill, James developed the values that guided his life: hard work, faith, integrity, and excellence. He believed that whatever the job, it should be done right the first time — a principle he lived by and passed down through generations.
James was united in marriage to Margaret Bridges Peace, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage, until her transition to heaven. Together, they raised seven children: Thomas Peace (Joann), Larry Peace (Varetta), Clement Peace (Daria), Cheryl Peace, Dwight Peace (Cecille), Juaneza Squires (Daniel, Jr.), and Marva Wood (Antoinio).
James was also blessed with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom carry forward his legacy, values, and wisdom. He had one sister, Ada Peace, who predeceased him in life.
James found joy in the simple things — sitting on his porch, working in his garden, and planting flowers in the beds of his front yard. Known by many as "the Fix-It Man," there was very little he could not do. Even into his 90s, you may catch him on the roof or fixing or building something without hesitation.
A man of God who was well loved and well respected, James became a familiar and comforting presence in his community. Family and friends would often stop by to talk with him, knowing they would leave with encouragement, wisdom, or a lesson worth carrying. He spoke openly about the Good Lord and what it means to live a life rooted in faith and righteousness. He also shared stories of Durham — its people, its growth, and its history — offering insight shaped by decades of lived experience.
James possessed a wealth of knowledge, faith, and values that he poured into his family and friends. He will be deeply missed, forever beloved, and always remembered with gratitude. We are thankful beyond measure for the many years we were blessed to have him with us.
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Condolences to the family of James Peace. He was very dear to me and my family. We worked together in Community services Immanuel Temple SDA Church. He was so loving and kind and he loved God. He will be missed. He's resting now and when Jesus returns we will see him again! Evelyn Manley 🙏🏽❤️
CD & family, l am sorry for your loss. I'm sending my sincere Condolences and Prayers to you and family.
My condolences and prayers to the Peace family.
To the family: we are sending our prayers sympathy and condolences to you at this difficult time. What a long faithful fruitful prosperous and anointed life Mr. peace had! He ran his race and finished the course! May God comfort your hearts and fill that void! Sending Love: Gloria and Larry Judd
Thinking of you during this time of bereavement. May your memories of his wonderful life and spirit sustain you. Mr. Peace lived a full life and never wavered in his love of his family and community. May he rest in eternal peace.
To Larry my 1968 Hillside classmate and family.I am so sorry for your loss.We send our condolences to you and your family. Dwight Womble and the Womble Family
Bro. Peace had a kind and gentle soul. He loved life, family, friends and people, but most of all he loved God. Rest in grave until Jesus calls your name Bro Peace!!❤️🙏🏽
I pray that the memories left behind by James Thomas Peace lift both family members and friends from their grief and loss. 🙏🙏
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Peace. May the Lord bless, comfort, and keep you during this difficult time.
My condolences to your family may he RIP
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
🙌🏽Cheryl, a Mighty Tree has fallen into the Hands of God‼️ 🕊️Condolences to you and your family🙏🏽on the passing of your father💙 Mary Joyner Jones and HHS72 Class
Rest in peace!You will truly,truly be missed Mr.JamesPeace
We're sending our sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time. Mr. Peace was a humble, kind and gentle man who was loved by the late Benjamin and Marva Grimes and family. Marva was the Community Service Leader of Immanuel Temple SDA Church at the time and she often admired how dependable and dedicated he was to helping his community and church family. My mom enjoyed working with Mr. Peace. May the family, loved ones and friends find comfort in knowing that God cares and so do we. Until that GREAT getting up morning, hold onto those precious memories of your dad, granddad, great granddad, brother, uncle, and friend. He will never be forgotten!🕊️🙏🏽❤️🩹
Uncle Pot always had kindness in his heart for me from the first day we moved next door. I would walk across the yard to visit with him and Aunt Margaret before she passed. He welcomed me as family. After moving, he always welcomed Mike and me for front porch conversation as the cars rolled by. As I continue to age, I can only pray that my mind is as sharp as his and that my mobility sustains. He's now walking around in heaven with the angels. I will never forget our conversations and laughs. Rest well, Uncle Pot!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.