Rev. James A. Ledbetter was born on July 11, 1942, in Anson County, to the late Mr. Lacy Ingram and Mrs. Blennie Walls Ledbetter and raised by his stepfather Mr. James Ledbetter. Rev. James A. Ledbetter went home to his eternal resting place on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, while in Hospice Care. He was preceded in death by both parents and stepfather, three brothers, Walter L. Walls, George Walls, and Cordell Ingram; two sisters, Bobby J. Thompson and Garthine Allen; one great-grandson, Xavier Martinez.
James attended William Penn of High Point, NC, for his formal education. From there, he joined the U.S Military in 1961. After the military, he enrolled into Guilford Technical Institute (currently known as Guilford Technical Community College) where he obtained his General Educational Development (GED). After receiving his GED, James joined the High Point Police Force, where he worked for four years as a motorcycle officer. James decided he needed a change in his current career, so with the aid and encouragement of his brother, Henry Ledbetter, James became a licensed cosmetologist in 1977. James worked for several years in the salon with Mrs. Gussie Robinson and later branched out on his own, opening “The Magic Wand” his very own salon. James was well known in High Point for his “curls”. After working in hair for several years, James returned to his law enforcement career, where he worked as an armed guard at the IRS building for The Paragon Systems. James worked for Paragon Systems for thirteen years, where he retired due to health issues.
As a young man, he attended Kings Chapel Holiness Church of High Point, NC. Kings Chapel is where he accepted his calling into the ministry. From there, he attended and later joined Temple Memorial Baptist Church of High Point, NC. It was at Temple Memorial Baptist Church, where James was ordained as a minister on July 19, 1988, by the Rowan Association. During his tenure at Temple Memorial, he was a dedicated member serving as the Associate Pastor under the late Dr. L. L. Macon and Dr. Arthur L. Byrd. At his passing, James was a member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church of East Spencer, NC, under the leadership of his son, James A. Ledbetter III. James was a strong believer in God. His favorite book in the bible was the book of Proverbs.
In 1978, James was united in marriage to Felecia L. Curtis, who he affectionately called “Cil”. From their union were born two lovely children, James A. Ledbetter III and Joy N. Ledbetter. James and Joy will forever remember their father as being someone who would come home from after working all day and give them rides on his back or race with them in the yard. James enjoyed the game, hide & seek with the kids. That was short-lived once James and Joy became of age to scare him. After being scared, his famous line to say, “You did not scare me. I kicked at your head 11 times”. The reality was, he was standing there shaking with his eyes as wide as a 50 cent piece.
If you knew James, you knew he loved giving orders, and he always had a taste for some good fatback meat, hog-mogs, and country ham! James will be forever well known for his sense of humor but most of all, his instinct to protect his family, and those in his presence as well as a provider for his family.
Rev. James A. Ledbetter leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 42 years, Felecia C. Ledbetter, his five children, Mr. Christopher T. Ledbetter, Mr. Timothy R. Ledbetter, Mrs. Tonya Y. (Leroy) Georgia, all of Thomasville NC, Rev. James A. (Jessica) Ledbetter III and Ms. Joy N. Ledbetter all of High Point, NC; he is also survived by ten grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren; along with his five brothers, Henry (Vickie) Ledbetter of Seattle, WA, Rev. Lacy (Mildred) Ingram Jr. of Woodbridge, VA., Riston (Audrey) Ingram of North Chesterfield, VA, Rev. Aaron (Brenda) Bennett of Odenton, MD, and James Smith of Greensboro, NC; seven sisters, Mrs. Rosa (Clarence) Nelson, Ms. Carolyn Delores Ledbetter all of High Point, NC, Rev. Dr. Donna Ingram McNair, Mrs. Omy Ingram Barber all of Wadesboro, NC, Mrs. Zura Ingram Thomas of Lilesville, NC, Annie J. Hairston of Washington, D.C., and Mrs. Brenda (Rodney) Nivens of Kernersville, NC; two special god-children, Kyndal Curtis and Myles Curtis, both of High Point, NC.
A private memorial service will be held Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
It comes with sincere condolences to hear that Rev. Ledbetter has passed away. When trying to contact you about Rev. Melvin Kesler having passed, I couldn't understand how we were not able to contact you all. Now, I know. Two buddies have gone to be with the Lord. May God continue to bless and keep you in his care. Love, The Kesler Family
James worked as a guard in our building. He was always nice and kind to everyone. I never saw him that he didn't have his bible with him. I pray for his friends and family, but know he is celebrating with God. DeAnn Burcham
Prayers and condolences to the family. James Ledbetter was truly a kind and gentle soul. loved my curls when he finished my hair! Rest in peace James
Sandra Austin
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Rev. James Ledbetter.
Sylvia Collins
Lucille and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Words will never express the sympathy that I feel for you at this time. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your family has my condolences.
Patricia (Pat) Coachman
To the Family of Rev James Ledbetter: Our sincere condolences in your time of loss. May your faith sustain you and the memories continue to fill your hearts with joy. ElmaJoyce, Lucille, Maggie, and Billy Hairston
Sincere condolences to you and the family. We are thinking of you and praying for your strength and that you will feel comfort from the Lord. We love you! Tynisha Dawkins and family
So sorry for your loss. Praying God's peace for you and the family. The Mackey Family
So sorry for your loss, praying for you and the family...
Cil the obituary was to the point and a written legacy of James, he called Dan a couple of weeks ago, talking about he wanted some ham hocks... lol the very last conversation I had with him let me know he was prepared for this journey home. He loved you very much and the kids, You took excellent care and was truly a kind loving wife that he was very proud of. We will miss his straight to the honest approach to life with no none sense. He truly loved the Lord, and gave daddy the most honor and respect, for that same love of the Word. We will miss him, he left with his full armor on, ready and willing to service the Lord. Have comfort in knowing no one could have loved and cared for him more. Daniel and Paulette David Cousins
Gonna miss them "cuz" conversations cuz. Because before you were my brother-in-law you were my cousin. Along with our "war stories" you always kept me laughing. Rest with "The Ancestors" my brother. Prayers to our family. From the Wall & Adams Family
Prayers and my heart felt Sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Sgbc Missionary, Mary Cooper
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal. Praying peace and strength for your family.
Timothy & Shelia Walker
Continue to be encouraged 🙏🏽The Lovette family
My sincerest condolences to family and friends. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Harriett Nesbitt Nicholson
I am simply distraught at the sheer fact that I won't be able to see Mr. Ledbetter anymore, my heart was broken knowing his smiling face is gone :( I hate I didn't at least get to say goodbye, well ill see you later because I know I will see him again in heaven celebrating our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was always kind to me and encouraged me even when others didnt, every time he did my hair from the age of 11.. His wonderful personality and being will be forever missed! - Nicolia
So sorry for your loss. Praying for strength and peace for you and your family from Traci and Judy.
To The Ledbetter Family, Sending prayers and condolences to you all! May God strengthen and peace be with you. Keonna Rorie and Hayes Family
To the Ledbetter Family Praying that God will strength and comfort in this time.
Saddened by the news of Reverend Ledbetter passing. We pray for God to give you the strength you need at this difficult time. He will surely be missed. Mary Brunson
Prayers to the Family of Rev. James Ledbetter. He was my beautician for many years on 4th St. May God strengthen you for such a time as this!🌹 Magaline Farabee Bowman & Family
Our prayers for peace and comfort go out to the Ledbetter family during your time of bereavement. Donald and Deborah Opie
Condolences to the Ledbetter family. Wanda Watkins & family
To the Ledbetter Family, I was shocked to hear the passing of your love one. Rev. Ledbetter will always be in our hearts here at Greater New Hope Baptist Church. May God grant you peace and just know that we all have a race to run. He was a great preacher. Garland and Yvonne Simrel
With deepest sympathy to the Ledbetter family. Evelyn Thomas
Greetings to The Family of Rev. James Ledbetter:
May God continue to Keep you in His Loving arms. Our Love and Prayers are with you always!
Rev. Bobby W. Green, Jr. and Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green
Dear Lucille, sorry to hear of your loss. I pray for Gods peace and comfort to you and your family. Love and prayers, Beverly Johnson-Townes❤️
Our deepest condolences to the Ledbetter family. Roger and Marie Reynolds
Lucille I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Reverend Ledbetter you have my deepest sympathy may God continue to strengthen you and your family. Love you, Bonita Rogers
To the Ledbetter Family Lucille my heart is heavy for you and the kids praying for strength peace and understanding Patricia Green and family
Praying God's peace in abundance will see through Lovingly, The Ballard Family. Southside 💘
My deepest condolences to the Ledbetter family. Rev. Ledbetter will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you. The Taylor Family
Cuz, You gave me my first hair cut " Bob" , so fly!! I'll always remember our talks when I would see you at the Tax and Court Buildings. Rest In Peace
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.God will grant you the strength needed to carry you thru. Shirley Miller & Family
I am going miss revledbetter I shareinlossalberta
Julia Newby
James you will truly be missed. you were such an inspiration in my life working at the internal revenue service. I am glad GOD allowed our paths to cross... my deepest sincere condolences to your wife and family.
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Ledbetter family. I fondly remember Rev. Ledbetter's kind words, spirit and always beautiful smile during special occasions involving Larry, Valentina, Kyndal and Myles Curtis. My husband and I will keep the family in our prayers. Walter and Cathy Cornelius
Keeping you in our prayers during your time of loss. Rose and Joe Odom
Sending our Condolences to the Ledbetter Family! From The Mobley's
Although we will miss His presence on this side of light, may we all find comfort in knowing that we will meet again. When we ALL get to Heaven.....
Our prayers for peace and comfort go out to the Ledbetter family during your time of bereavement.
The message below is from Shirley Phillips of Capitol Heights, MD:
My Uncle James was a hardworking, caring man of God. He will be greatly missed, and to his family, I pray that Jesus will comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
Sending prayers and condolences to the family. Shelia Rorie (Teet) and family
Sending prayer's and Condolences to the family.May the Lord give you strength at this time and day's to come. Armstrong family Cousins.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.