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James Charles Obituary
Mr. Charles has dedicated his life to serving the students of Terrebonne Parish. He began his career as a math teacher at Southdown High School. He taught throughout the parish before becoming an elementary math curriculum specialist, an assistant principal, and coordinator of migrant education. In 1988, he was named the first-ever principal of Ellender Memorial High School. Mr. Charles has also served as supervisor of secondary adult and vocational education, Assistant Superintendent, and Interim Superintendent of Terrebonne Parish public school system.
An avid volunteer, Mr. Charles also created many enrichment programs for local underprivileged and at-risk youth. He is a 1960 graduate of Southdown High School and earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Southern University and A & M College. He received an Honorary Doctorate from Southern University in 2019.
Charles was founding president of the Southern University Alumni Association's chapter in Terrebonne, Lafourche and Assumption parishes. He was a former president of the Terrebonne Retired Teachers Education Association and a deacon at St. Luke Baptist Church in Dularge.
He is survived by his wife, Bernadine Poindexter Charles; daughters, Tanya Brown, Arlanda J. Williams; Angela Charles and Heather Gobert (Robert); grandchildren, Joshua Williams, Chelsea Charles, Jere' Williams, Cody and Carson Brown and Roman Gobert; brother, Leroy Charles; sister, Joyce Judy Charles-Bolden; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin, Sr. and Sadie Westley Charles; brothers, Donald, Rinard, Benjamin, Jr., Robert, Sr. and Larry, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Edmond and Martha Harding Charles; maternal grandparents, Eddie, Sr. and Rebecca Neville Westley; and son-in-law, Dwayne Washington.
A public viewing will be conducted from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Jones Funeral Home chapel, 230 S. Hollywood Road in Houma. (All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC/local regulations by wearing masks and practicing social distancing). He will be interred in the St. Luke Baptist Cemetery (Bayou Dularge Road).
Arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Houma.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Charles
judy SMART
May 27, 2020
Arlanda and family, please accept my sympathy on your loss. Sounds like he touched so many lives and his legacy will continue through all that he impacted. Take care. Judy Smart
Teto Smith-Robinson
May 26, 2020
My deepest sympathy to Bernadine and the Charles family. I pray God will comfort and strengthen you all as you try to process your grief. James was a wonderful person and I will hold on to our fun and laughter as great memories of him. I will keep you all lifted in constant prayer. So sorry I could not attend the services due to this worldwide pandemic.
James & Cheryl Aitkens
May 24, 2020
Our condolences go out to the family during this your time of loss. James was a good friend and he will be sadly missed. Indeed a credit to his family, friends, and the community he loved and served.
Judy Naquin
May 23, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Charles family. May he R.I.P. May the Good Lord bring comfort and peace to all. God Bless..
Walker
May 22, 2020
Mr. James Charles was always a professional educator and I enjoyed working with him in the TPSD Central Office. He came to work everyday and greeted you with a smile. I am so sorry for his family's great loss.
Ray and June LeBoeuf
May 22, 2020
Our prayers and condolences to family and friends of James. Rest in peace.
Edna Scott
May 22, 2020
So sorry for your loss
Glenn and Edna Scott
May 22, 2020
Rest In Peace Mr Charles. Thank you for your service to the community.
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