Esau Ted James

Obituary For Esau Ted James

Esau Ted James, 78, of Browns Summit, NC, passed away on Saturday March 6, 2021. Ted, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Lee County, South Carolina on November 28, 1942 to the Reverend Grandison James and Christine Rembert James. Both Rev. and Mrs. James died when Ted was in his tender years and so he and his siblings were raised by their maternal grandmother Sarah Rembert in Rembert, S.C.

Ted came to live in Greensboro, N.C. during his teen years and made the area his home until his death. Ted had an enviable work ethic throughout his life. As a young man he drove a taxi and worked at Carolina Steel Company in Greensboro, but later landed at Miller Brewing Company in Eden, N.C. where he was a loyal and valued employee for three decades. In addition to his full-time position at Miller Brewing Company, Ted was an entrepreneur. In the 1970s he owned a small store called the Snappy Market in the Phillips Avenue section of Greensboro. He later formed a partnership with eleven others to own rental properties and run a nightclub called the Eleven Unlimited after the group's moniker the Eleven Unlimited Investment Group.

In 1962 he married Nancy Robinson and they had two children Michele Renee and Kevin Lamont. Though the couple parted ways early in their lives, they later became and remained good friends until Ted’s death.

In 1969, Ted married Suzanne Raedell (Hopkins). Together they raised four children Gerald Christopher, Cheryl Danielle, Meryl Nichole and Esau Ted James II.

Ted was a member of Locust Grove Baptist Church in Browns Summit N.C. for over four decades. His faith was also nourished by his membership in the Morning Star Lodge #691 after his introduction into the chapter by his father-in-law E. Roy Hopkins.

Throughout his life, he had many varied interests including food and libations, fishing for sport and relaxation, scuba diving, league bowling and photography. He was recognized as a Volunteer to the Court (Guilford County) for working with troubled youth and spent time coaching his youngest child’s soccer team. After his retirement from Miller Brewing Company, Ted looked for ways to remain engaged with friends and family and enjoyed activities outdoors including membership in the Guilford County Knight Riders Saddle Club.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his dear sister Ruth and his brothers Johnny and Jacob (Ted's twin) who both passed away in their childhood.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years; his dear brother Charles (Joyce) and sister Naomi Grant; his six children, Michele (Vincent) Bland, Kevin Jones, Chris, Danielle (Vincenzo Galdi), Nichole (Dallas McGee), and Esau “Teddy” (Natalie); his 10 grandchildren Christopher, Mariah, Jazmin, Dallas Jr., Eleonora Sofia, Izabella, Poppy, Giovanni, Major and Leonardo; and two great-grandchildren Cloud and Jaceion.

Ted was a curious soul with a big heart and wonderful sense of humor who loved life and being surrounded by others. He will be missed by many.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday March 13, 2021 at the Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Browns Summit, N.C. The Morningstar Lodge #691 will honor their brother in a ceremony at 1:30 pm which will be followed by the prayer burial service.