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Obituary For MR. JAMES ELLIS WHITE
Mr. James Ellis White was born in Pageland, South Carolina, on September 30, 1956, to Peggy and James White. He was the oldest of nine.
He attended Forest Hills High School in Union County and graduated in 1975. James enlisted in the United States Army in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served with the 82nd Airborne. He was a paratrooper and an infantryman. He visited many places, including Korea and Saudi Arabia.
In 1982, James married Sylvia Hardy in Arlington, Virginia, and they had three children: James White II (1983), Youree White (1987), and Naria White-Whittaker (1995).
James retired from the military in 1995 at Fort Bragg, then settled in Goldsboro, North Carolina, until 2020. Mr. White retired as a Staff Sergeant with numerous awards and recognitions, including the ‘Army Commendation Medal’, ‘Army Achievement Medal’, ‘Senior Parachutist’, and more. Most of his veteran friends stated that James was “one heck of a soldier” or “he made soldiering look easy.”
After his honorable discharge from the military, James worked as a welder for many years before retiring.
James White (TunaBaby) was known for his sense of humor and his knowledge of many things. He loved collecting military memorabilia and spending time with his grandkids (Jade, Abigail, Exiquio, and Little James). He would often share his memories with his children and his grandchildren about growing up in Pageland and how “he was the only black kid with a skateboard.” He enjoyed watching western movies, listening to classic rock bands, and looking at and learning about American and foreign cars.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Peggy and James White; his sister, Cynthia White; his niece, Cindy White; and his brother, Gary White.
He leaves behind his wife, Sylvia White; his children, James Ellis White II (Michelle White), Youree Sigourney White, and Naria Jamilla White-Whittaker (Bradley Whittaker); his grandchildren; Jade White, Abigail ‘Abby’ White, Exiquio White, and Jame ‘Little James’ White, and his siblings, Maxine White, Linda Bonaparte, Patricia White, and Lisa White; and his brothers, Patrick White and Ronnie White. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends, too.
The Homegoing Services will be on Sunday, June 14, 2026, 1:00pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.
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My brother, we will surely miss you. Gone but never forgotten ❤️
Sis Max
Ride to the sound of the guns and rest in peace. Peace and blessings be upon him and his family.
Love you unk, you will forever be missed. Sending my deepest condolences to your kids & grandkids
Uncle White you will be missed. I'm proud to say you are my Uncle White! Thanks for all the love ❤️ you gave to me throughout my life. I love you and will miss you dearly. Your niece Brandy
Sending love and hugs to you and your family, Sylvia. I'm so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are my Aunt, Sylvia White, and my cousins, James, Youree, and Naria. Uncle White, you will be missed. Love, Fenny!
Hey Uncle White I miss you dearly I have been blessed with you being a great uncle to me love you
James (and family), please accept our condolences. We love you and are so very sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to the family
Ms. Patricia, we are so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved brother. May your heart be comforted and filled with memories.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
