James "Jim" Bigham

Obituary For James "Jim" Bigham

James “Jim” Bigham, 85, was born on March 20, 1936, in Wrens, GA to the late Elijah and Corine Durden Bigham. He peacefully departed to his heavenly home on July 15, 2021. James was affectionately nick-named “Ralph” by his mother and “Jimbo” by his late mother-in-law, Anna Hill Brown. James was a long time follower of Jesus Christ and his faith was a constant companion. He carried the Holy Spirit with him and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him knew It radiated abundantly. He rendered his services as an usher at First Bethel Baptist Church until his health declined. Through his belief in God, love for Christ and his confession of faith, he has obtained the promise of eternal life in the house of the Lord!

James stole the hearts of everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him. His bright smile was so contagious, everyone that came in contact with him would smile too. He was a strong yet gentle giant of a man. And since he was a man of so few words, he always managed to capture the attention of those he spoke with. They knew what he had to say was full of wisdom & truth. The Bigham family relocated to Fort Pierce in 1953 and James continued his formal education at Lincoln Park Academy, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the tender age of 17. He reverenced his 32 years of service with gratitude and pride. Besides, what job takes you around the equator 3 times? The Navy afforded him travels around the world on over 20 ships. He embarked on his initial mission on the USS Fletcher (USS Whetstone). James trained and mastered his jobs as a gas turbulence specialist and chief machinist mate. He had the honor of retiring as a “Chief”. More notably he received several medals, badges and ribbons, to include but not limited to: 7 Navy Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

Upon retirement, James returned home and started a 2nd career as a supervisor for the Department of Transportation for the State of Florida. This position allowed him to transition his leadership skills to mentor and train his staff toward success for over 15 years. James had that innate ability to see the good in everyone and everything. Therefore, it’s no surprise that his colleagues and peers describe him as “a good man”.

In addition, James met the love of his life Debra Johnson and shared 31 years of marriage sealed with love and devotion. They were like two pieces of a puzzle; they were a natural fit for one another. You couldn’t see one without seeing the other. They were indeed best friends who enjoyed traveling, maintaining their beautiful lawn, and taking long strolls and car rides to take in the sites. During retirement, James continued his love of Chevrolet Camaros. Yes, this gentle soul had the need for speed, style and power. He owned 3 Camaros. His latest prize possession was a pristine, 1992 royal blue Chevrolet Camaro. He is preceded in death by his parents Mr. Elijah Bigham and Mrs. Corine Durden Bigham; (brothers), Robert L. Bigham, Moses Bigham, Richard Bigham and Terry Bigham; (sisters) Pinkie Ruth White, Gaycilla Archie and Elaine Bigham. Left to cherish his memory as they rejoice his life in Christ are: his loving and devoted Wife, Debra Bigham; Daughters: Tonya Latimer Clemons (Atlanta, GA), Geneva Lewis (Texas); Sons: Robert Lee Davis Jr. (Atlanta, GA), Chief James Bigham, Jr./Barbara (Norfolk, VA); Like-A-Son: Kelly Serafini/Ada (Fort Pierce, FL); Godchildren: Gary Henderson, Jr. and Charity Henderson (Augusta, GA), Kenneth Davis (Port St. Lucie, FL) and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, colleagues and special friends.

Public visitation for James Bigham will take place on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Stone Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, FL. Funeral services will convene on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL beginning at 11:00am.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID-19 have been relaxed, we at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 feet social distancing guidelines as well.