Don N. James was born on November 8, 1949, to Monroe and Addie Belle James in Marshall, Texas. He was the youngest of five children. Don passed away peacefully on October 6, 2022 and went home to be with his heavenly father.
Don completed his elementary and secondary education in Marshall, Texas. He finished his elementary studies at M. W. Dogan Elementary school and went on to graduate with honors from H.B. Pemberton High School, class of 1968. Don’s post secondary education includes studies at both Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas and Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.
On September 5, 1970, Don married Essie Mary James. He was a loving, dedicated, and devoted husband until her death. To this union, three children were born: Darrell James, Andrea Foreman and Cassandra Renee James. After the loss of his first wife, Don later married Mary Colbert on August 26, 2014. Mary was a loving and devoted wife until his passing.
Don was raised in a religious home and loved the Lord. He joined New Bethel Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas at a young age and participated in many church activities. After relocating to Longview, Texas, Don became a member of Galilee Baptist Church where J. B. Dunlap was the pastor. There, he continued to serve the Lord faithfully in many capacities. He was an active participant in Sunday School, attended Bible study, served on the Trustee Board, organized a youth group (Young Men of Valor), was a member of the brotherhood department, and was an active member of the Male Choir.
Don retired from the United States Postal Service after working at the Terminal Annex in in Los Angeles, California as well as the Marshall Post office in Marshall, Texas. He enjoyed golfing, watching ESPN’s SportsCenter, he was a ‘do not disturb’ Basketball and football enthusiast, and he loved listening to and singing gospel music.
Don was devoted and faithful to his family holding a power that is unmatched. He was selfless and gave his unconditional love and support, was a protector and provider, a wall of trust, and a source of wisdom and encouragement. Don was a positive role model for his children as he taught them to keep God first and to be God loving and God fearing.
Don N. James was proceeded in death by his parents, Monroe and Addie Belle James; his first wife, Essie James; and his older brother Hakeem Abdul Shaheed. He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife, Mary James; son, Darrell Leroy James (Tamesha) of Houston, Texas; his daughters, Andrea Colette Foreman (Brooks) of Jacksonville, Texas, and Cassandra Renee James of Longview, Texas, Natisha Faux of Los Angeles, California and Cassandra Bryant of Las Vegas, Nevada; and his sisters, Carol Harper of, Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Myrtle Louise James of Los Angeles, California, and Willia Royster (Frederick) of Cypress, Texas. His death is also mourned by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.
