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Obituary For James Jerome Stathums
Mr. James Jerome Stathums, 72, of Columbus, GA passed on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Columbus, GA.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Friday, March 6, 2026 at New Testament Christian Center Church, 2622 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA with Bishop James Lewis, Sr., pastor, officiating. Burial in Green Acres Cemetery, Columbus, GA. Public visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Mr. James Jerome Stathums, affectionately known as “Buster” born in Columbus, Georgia, was the beloved son of the late Erma Stathums and the late Willie Patrick. James passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones.
James was a proud Veteran of the United States Army, serving his country with honor and dedication. Following his military service, he continued his commitment to public service as a civil service employee with the United States Post Office, where he worked faithfully for 20 years.
A faithful member of New Testament Christian Center Church, James held tightly to his favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse reflected his enduring faith and trust in God’s promises.
James will be remembered for his strength, quiet resilience, and steadfast love for his family. His life was marked by service- to his country, his community, his church, and those he loved most.
He was also preceded in death by his wife, Lavonne Stathums, whom he loved dearly.
He was a devoted father to his children Kenyarta Stathums (Melanie) and Denicia Sumbry (Carl). He was a proud grandfather to Jacobi Stathums, Jaila Young (Jonathan), Saliyah Stathums, Zion Sumbry and Ayden Sumbry.
James will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings, Brenda Fair (Keith), Mitchell Stathums, Christopher Stathums, Wendy Stathums, Linda Lee, and Willie Patrick Jr.; and his step-sister Vonda Elliott (Taiwona) and step-mother Verna Patrick, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He shared meaningful bonds with his family and friends, and those relationships remained important throughout his life.
He will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew him.
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Tacarla Powell sent Ocean Devotion for James Jerome Stathums - March 05, 2026
Shaefer A Gilliam sent Radiant Foliage Planter for James Jerome Stathums - March 04, 2026
Debra Burroughs sent Stately Croton for James Jerome Stathums - March 04, 2026
Chris,Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you find comfort in the memories you shared with your brother."
Hi we are sorry for your loss. We both know what it's like to loose a father especially a good dad. We pray for you endurance. Hold onto the memories... love Rhonda Lorenzo Julia Julius and skyler
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Denicia, My deepest condolences for the loss of your father. May he rest in peace. Sonya Cochran
Rest easy, cousin "Buster". I'll always remember you riding through the neighborhood in the sharpest GTO around! Prayers and comfort to the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of James "Buster" Stathums. My coworker and big brother.
To to Stathums Family,we send deep condolences to the family in the loss of Buster.He was a very good man and we know that he lived in Christ so he earned his wings.Love 🙏🙏
RIP Buster it was a pleasure and lots of happy times . knowing u. My deepest condolences 2 the Family 🙏🙏🙏
To my " Buster Man" my big brother and good friend. I'm gonna miss you so much especially our daily conversation, and your words of widsom. May you rest in peace..
To my uncle...words aren't enough. You taught me so much. Wisdom that you gave me will always remain. I love and will miss you to the moon and back. Get your rest.
So sorry to hear about the passing of James (Buster) Stathums, prayers and condolences to the family.🙏🌹
Be not dismayed, whatever betide God will take care of you. Beneath his wings of love, God will take care of you. Through every day and all-day God will take care of you. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6. Praying that God will give you peace in this difficult time.
Buster Was A Great, Kind, Gentle Person With A Heart Of Gold. Buster And I Tailgated Together With About 25 More Friends For Over 15 Yrs. For The Fort Valley Albany State Game. My Condolences To His Family. Remember To B Absent From The Body Is To B Present With The Lord. Take Your Rest My Tailgate Buddy The Race Is Over And You Will DEFINATELY B Missed.
Buster you have ran your race, you have finished your course, just knowing your rest in Jesus brings joy,peace and love ❤️ we'll see you in the morning Chris
May God comfort all the family at this time. I am so grateful I had the chance to see and speak to him when we last visited Columbus. Buster was married to my late Aunt. Uncle Buster you will be truly missed! All our love Liza, Kenny. Adoniah, Laylah and Antoine
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Buster I Love and Miss You ❤️
You're truly missed love you unc 🥺💕
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I'll miss you forever grandaddy. I know that you're always with me
I'm going to miss my phone call the talk we hadn't your voice I will not hear anymore. Just to hear you say one more time I love you.that was the word we use say,you are in my heart always. ❤❤❤
I love you uncle buster and I will miss you
To the Stathums Family, my heart is full with sadness because I have lost a dear cousin, yet I celebrate because he is rejoicing with the Lord. Buster always kept a smile on his face, and no matter how he was feeling, although he was in pain, he had a positive attitude about his health. His words that he always said to me was, "Cuz, I'm going to make it!" Praying for your strength and comfort in knowing that he is at peace in the arms of the Lord. Your cousin, Jean. Love you.
No Greater "Friend" than "Buster" has ever existed in my Lifetime! His life and devotion to his family sets a standard that nobody can match. He had style, class and dignity. My One and Only Road partner is gone, and now "I" ride alone, but he's still with me in Spirit. Amen
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
