NEW BERN - James "Ja Bee" Robinson Bland, 78, of 1615 Hazel Ave., died on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at the CarolinaEast Medical Center.He was a member of Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church for 50 years where he served on the Trustee Board including 15 years as treasurer, the Men's Chorus and former Men's Day chairperson. He was a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Marines Corps for 20 years, retiring as gunnery sergeant. He was a graduate of Shaw University, a partner in Bland & Blount Income Tax Services and retired from Cherry Point air station as a civilian personnel specialist.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Moore Bland of the home; children, Tamara Vail Bland of Jacksonville, Kevin A. Bland of Westville, N.J., Randall C. Bland of Richmond, Va., and James R. Bland Jr. of Newport News, Va.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings, Betty B. Knights of Dolton, Ill., Lois B. Carvin of Louisville, Ky., Jean B. Taylor and John H. Bland, both of Tucson, Ariz.
The family will receive friends and guest at the residence. Visitation will be 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012, at the funeral home. The ritualistic service will be performed by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
His funeral will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2012, at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church with the Rev. Dr. Jace L. Cox, pastor, officiating. Interment with military honors will be held noon Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church or to the
, 2418 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Electronic condolences may be sent to riversmorgan.com. Arrangements are by Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home, Inc.
