James Earl Jones

1931 - 2024

James Earl Jones obituary, 1931-2024

James Earl Jones

1931 - 2024

BORN

1931

DIED

2024

James Earl Jones Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Sep. 9 to Sep. 10, 2024.

James Earl Jones was the acclaimed actor whose deep, rich voice was featured as Darth Vader in several "Star Wars" films and as Mufasa in "The Lion King."

We invite you to share condolences for James Earl Jones in our Guest Book.

Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.

(Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

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January 24, 2025

Jason Simpson posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2025

Gary Hoetker posted to the memorial.

December 17, 2024

Alicia Perry posted to the memorial.

170 Entries

Jason Simpson

January 24, 2025

One of the greatest and most powerful voices to ever grace the acting world. Not only was his voice bass heavy and powerful, but his acting was powerful and conveying in a way that got everyone´s attention. He was and still is one of my biggest inspirations, and his deep powerful voice is one of two (the other being Tony Todd) that resonate over 2024 forever. RIP James Earl Jones, an acting titan.

Gary Hoetker

January 16, 2025

Irreplaceable !! God Speed Sir !!

Alicia Perry

December 17, 2024

Claudine one of my favorite movies. You were bigger than life. Your voice will live on in our hearts and memories forever. R.I.P you deserve it.

Robyn Cannon

December 17, 2024

I met him at the PBI airport when I was on my way to start college. He said he been here acting at the PB Playhouse. That was Aug 1977.

Tony Spirito

December 6, 2024

Mitchell Williams

November 11, 2024

"Sending healing prayers and comfort during this tough time."

Detoria Green

November 5, 2024

Thank you for your unwavering gifts and talents. You definitely shaped my childhood with lion king and coming to America among other things. Rest with God. XO

Kisha O

October 16, 2024

Greatest of ALL time & Never will be FORGOTTEN. Rest in Power & Sleep Well James

Leslie Redaway

October 15, 2024

Rest In Heaven

Mary Huffman

October 11, 2024

I had an opportunity to meet him in 2003 in Springfield Ohio. I told him I was a distant cousin, my great grandmother Mary Francis Connolly was married to Oliver Jones. We talked and he told some things about our family.
Mary Huffman in Dayton Ohio

Kathy

October 8, 2024

Thank you Sir for all the all the "firsts" in my life time...

Linda Williams

October 3, 2024

Thank you Mr James Earl Jones for all the beautiful and powerful work you’ve left for us to enjoy!Rest in Peace and Power!And to your family, thank you for sharing him with the world! Prayers for all who are affected by his physical absence from us! But he will never be forgotten! Oddly enough he and John Amos can repeat the scene from Coming to America! Rest Well King!

scott blackmon

September 28, 2024

1977 in back of a stationwaggen. Starwars on one screen jaws on a another. james was my favorate voice . that icrediable voice reached millions. grence song, conan was a aha moment what a roll. his work on stage second to None. as admrial in a move called hunt for red october. quickly had my respect for his work. touching my life forever!!!!

NIECE

September 27, 2024

REST IN PEACE MR. JAMES EARL JONES. YOUR BRILLANT VOICE CAN NOW BE HEARD IN HEAVEN. I KNOW GOD HAS BLESSED YOU AND WELCOMED YOU HOME. YOU ARE NOW AMONG THE ANGELS.

Cynthia Strickland

September 25, 2024

Prayers of comfort and strength to the family. What a man of stature! What a powerful voice! Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed.

Makayla coleman

September 24, 2024

I unfortunately never got to know James personally nor have I ever watched Star Wars. I knew he played the role of Darth Vader because society has understandably recognized and honored his work in the part. I knew him mostly from his other performances. It is very easy to recognize what a kind hearted soul he was, and how in some roles he could easily pass on his personal qualities/traits to his characters. My condolences go out to his loved ones and I thank you for sharing his life, and his obituary with us. For the impact James´s passing has had for us that only knew him on screen... I can´t begin to imagine the impact to his personal family and friends. His wife Cecilia was waiting for him at the pearly gates. May God bless him and may he eternally rest in peace.

Barbara Williams Pearl Williams Garyville Louisiana

September 24, 2024

With deepest condolences sympathy. My parents and I remember James Earl Jones playing in the film Dr. Rev. Vernon John Story. He was an excellent actor in many films. Rest ln Peace James Earl Jones. From Pearl Williams and Barbara Williams of Garyville Louisiana

Yolanda Fisher

September 23, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Frederick Ford

September 22, 2024

My condolences to the family of James Earl Jones. May you find comfort in knowing that you and the world has lost such a treasure. His presence will be greatly missed. May rest in power.

Charley Baum

September 22, 2024

Hi Charley here James Jones one of my favorite movie star he will be missed God Bless

CA

September 21, 2024

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Galvy Fernandes

September 21, 2024

A powerful symbol of patriarchy & counsel in movies and TV. A powerful symbol of culture and firm command of the English language. A powerful symbol of gratitude based on icon roles young and old and the generations you touch. R.I.P. Mr. James Earl Jones You will be greatly remembered and missed.

Dr Yvette Jones

September 20, 2024

What an amazing actor. Your charisma has warm our hearts and blessed. You would truly be missed. Rest in peace....Jones Family love you

Honoré Anthony Taylor

September 19, 2024

Mr. Jones,

As your soul embarks on its next journey, may you find eternal peace and power, King. Your legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those you inspired. I will always “Remember Who You Are” (from “The Lion King”) — not just as a towering figure in the arts, but as a beacon of hope and strength for the Black community. Your contributions have paved the way for countless others, and your spirit will continue to guide and uplift us.

With deepest gratitude and respect,

Honoré Anthony TaylorYou

Honoré Anthony Taylor

September 19, 2024

Mr. Jones,

As your soul embarks on its next journey, may you find eternal peace and power, King. Your legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those you inspired. I will always "Remember Who You Are" (from "The Lion King") - not just as a towering figure in the arts, but as a beacon of hope and strength for the Black community. Your contributions have paved the way for countless others, and your spirit will continue to guide and uplift us.

With deepest gratitude and respect,

Honoré Anthony Taylor

Belynda Daniels

September 19, 2024

I'm an admirer of James Earl Jones many talents may he RIP.

Carmen A

September 18, 2024

Ever so great, a voice he had and an acting abilty that touch so many. I loved his voice as Mufasa in the Lion King. He had style, class and Grace. I always felt that James Earl Jones along with Cicely Tyson, Sidney Poitier and Harry Belefonte, were actors from of era of break-thoughs. They paved the way for many by chosing roles to uplift and tell a story of the human spirit and humanize their race. Love to him for his contributions and showing that one can be successful and still have integrity. Thank you, James Earl Jones for sharing your gift and making many delight in seeing you bigger than life itself. " The sun has set on him now but we will "Remember" who you were!!! SIMBA!!!!! My condolences, and may God comfort all who knew and loved him. His passings leaves a void, but still I am full. Rest well. Soilder.

Angie

September 18, 2024

The Voice!!! Rest In Power King.

Shelby Pamplin

September 18, 2024

I got to shake his hand at a book signing 24 years ago. Thank You Sir. Shelby

Ricky Davis

September 17, 2024

Rest easy great man

Zarona

September 17, 2024

James Earl Jones...Such a beacon of light to the world, strong presence, and great actor .He reminded me so much of my grandfather as he could have been easily his twin brother. He will be truly missed and reminded of his legacy through his work ,and movies we can watch. May you rest in peace and sleep with the angels as you were one .

Sheila McMichael

September 16, 2024

In loving memory James Earl Jones
You will be truly missed REST WELL

Patrick B

September 16, 2024

Thank you James Earl Jones for giving me one of my favorite movies, The Lion King. Your character Mufasa, was one of my favorite characters from my childhood. Rest in peace James Earl Jones, you will be missed by all.

Donna Bryant

September 16, 2024

Mr. Jones was a brilliant actor. May he R.I.P.

Clarence Knight

September 16, 2024

My deepest condolences for one of my favorite Actors!!! R.I.H.P James Earl Jones

Sylvia Richards

September 16, 2024

My first memory of James Earl was in coming to America and thinking how he played a typical father I laugh and wished he was my dad. I will always remember his deep voice. it's that strong don't mess voice and his smile that draws you in and just want a hug and laugh with him. I know he was acting but his acting came across as genuine and heart felt, that's what made him and hes films great.

Lisa

September 15, 2024

One of the best! God Bless you James! :-( We will forever miss you, but you will never be forgotten. RIP Vader.

Cathleen Serio

September 15, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Joyce Vanderhorst-Gamble

September 15, 2024

James earl jones I loved him as an actor and as a man ...I loved to hear him speak...he will always be in my heart...and his spirit will live forever.Greatly missed.

Pamela Drayer

September 15, 2024

My sincere condolences to the entire family of James Earle Jones..He was a great actor and a great person.. Pamela Drayer

Jeff Claude

September 15, 2024

My condolences to the family. He is a legendary actor that will not be ever forgotten.

Lakina Barney

September 15, 2024

I loved him on "Claudine" he overcame a lot with his dyslexia and became a great actor. He left a legacy and will be missed...may the Lord carry your family in their time of grief and sorrow as I'm reminded everytime I see him on something he's no longer with us.

June Moore

September 15, 2024

From the Yates/Moore's. From Arkabutla Mississippi cousin cousin cousin cousin

Jimmy Crawley

September 15, 2024

God is A God of all comfort.. And He will comfort us in all trials.. My Condolences..

Donna M Hamilton

September 15, 2024

I was happy to meet such a fine gentleman. Rest in power.

CLR

September 15, 2024

God bless the Jones family in this time of sorrow. May your memories of this giant forever bring you comfort.

Dan Hedaya

September 15, 2024

It was a great honor to work with you you are both great and humble a rarity

Winston Davis

September 14, 2024

Rest in peace. May the force be with you

Preshus Mack

September 14, 2024

James was always in my favorite films for as long as I can remember. From Star Wars to Lion King to the Sandlot and so many more. He brought joy to the world and will be missed dearly. So glad to have been in the same lifetime as this amazing man. Fly high James.

K Brown-Mance

September 14, 2024

I am one of the Grandchildren to Maggie Bogan-Brown. Our Grandmother was the name sake to James Earl Jones' Grandmother Maggie Connoley.
I remember as a child, James Earl and his Mother Ruth coming to Battle Creek from Jackson MI, many times, to see our Grandma Maggie. They always put a smile on Grandma's face her being happy to see family!
May GOD give peace and comfort to family and all who "Love James Earl Jones".
Rest in Paradise

Brenda Connor

September 14, 2024

My deep and sincere condolences to the family of James Earl Jones! What an amazing actor and his voice is legendary! He will be greatly missed! Job well done! RIP James Earl Jones!

Brenda Connor

September 14, 2024

My sincere condolences to the family of James Earl Jones! He was an amazing and incredible actor and man! He will be remembered and missed by me! RIP James Earl! Job well done!❤

Necee Jones

September 14, 2024

What a life. You were a master at your craft. You will live on for my generations to come. The world is a better place because you were here. Rest well Mr. James Earl Jones

E R

September 14, 2024

My deepest sympathy is with Mr. Jones family and friends doing this time of grief and sorrow. May you all cherish the fond memories of Mr. James Earl. What a fantastic actor he was. His voice was great as well. Love seeing him in the moving “Coming To America “. May the God of All Comfort ( Psalm 83:18) comfort you all in the coming days, months and years.

Bryan sample

September 14, 2024

I remember James earl jones on the Big Bang theory

Myrtis Manigo

September 14, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

GySgt Andrew J. Svaby Sr,USMCR (ret.)

September 14, 2024

Reciting passages from Terrence Mann, "The Boat Rockers", in "Field of Dreams"! I had the first black teacher in my school district in 11th grade, and that was REQUIRED reading!

Lillian

September 14, 2024

Great Talented Man with a Voice to match.
We won't forget you Sir
May the Force be with you

BerniceLoadholt

September 13, 2024

Condolences to his family he will be missed wonderful strong talented actor SIH Mr James Earl Jones

Synaca Hall

September 13, 2024

Coming to America! That´s when I truly fell in love with James Earl Jones . He reminded me of my dad !

Ms. Tamitha Williams

September 13, 2024

The love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Allison Melton

September 13, 2024

Who's gonna read the bible to me? I will truly miss you ,may God bless you in heaven may he continually bless us ,tears are of joy knowing where he will rise...

C Smith & M Fonville

September 13, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kerry Opoonechaw

September 13, 2024

RIP to my hero since I was a child. May tou fly amongst the legends

Cynthia Tingler

September 13, 2024

This giant of a man with incredible tenderness. He inspired love. He will be so very missed.

Ang War

September 13, 2024

U will be missed sir

RA

September 13, 2024

Prayers for the Jones family, so very sorry for your loss.

Janelle Almendis

September 13, 2024

What a beautiful actor.... May his legacy continue. May your hearts be comforted by the God of love and who give life Jehovah. Philippians 4:6-7!

Jesus Christ McNair

September 12, 2024

My name is Jesus Christ Mc Nair, The Father, Son, Holy Ghost! I am 81 yrs. old. I watch the movie, The Man, the story of the 1st Black President of the United States. I have watch the movie 5 times!! I cut out the advertisment of the movie and have saved it 52 years. The movie was made in 1972!! I think James Earl Jones should have won the academy award for his role in the movie!! In 2008, I live to see Barack Obama become President of the United States in the real world, not just in a movie. All of my friends and relatives never even saw the movie?? I also saw the movie, The Great White Hope, the story of Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson, the 1st Black Heavyweight Champion. James Earl Jones was a great man and my favorite movie actor!! I send my sympathy and condolence to the James Earl Jones family.

N Green

September 12, 2024

May your light continue to shine through your works, as you rest peacefully.
Praying for all of the family and friends, as well as the fans who've supported your performances throughout the years. You cannot be replaced and you certainly will be missed!
~Love from one of your Connolly family members, Cobb County, GA

P Smith

September 12, 2024

Conan The Barbarian

You were so genuine and the epitome of intelligence

Brennen Garcia

September 12, 2024

Field of Dreams

Brennen Garcia

September 12, 2024

The Sandlot

Brennen Garcia

September 12, 2024

Thanks for the lion king

September 12, 2024

Rest in peace to one of the greatest black actors ever

Mary June Kyle

September 12, 2024

I love his acting and his voice

Elliot Myrick

September 12, 2024

I offer family and friends my deepest condolences during your time of bereavement. He was truly an inspiration for me, and I remember his days on Sesame Street growing up, and in the TV series "Paris". I will greatly miss him.

Bessie Greene

September 12, 2024

Rest well Sir❤❤

Brennen Garcia

September 12, 2024

Thank You for see field of dreams movie, the lion king movie, the sandlot movie, and star wars movie.

RIP James Earl Jones I will missed you

Cynthia Shoemake

September 12, 2024

You were my favorite actor. You will be missed.

Chris Thomas

September 12, 2024

Mr. Jones was a man, I grew up watching his movies and TV shows, and listening to his speeches, I born in 79, REST IN PEACE, LORD VADER, THE FORCE IS WAYS WITH YOU... WE HAVE THE FORCE NOW..

Carly

September 12, 2024

Rest in peace, James Earl Jones, the voice of Mufasa and Darth Vader. I hope Mufasa: The Lion King will delicate you! Remember who you are!

Pamela Spencer

September 12, 2024

My condolences to James Earl Jones's family and friends was the best actor in movies & TV sitcom series you have a guardian Angel watching over you #JamesEarlJones # the Actors Rest in paradise well done

Eric Collins

September 12, 2024

The sandlot

Eric Collins

September 12, 2024

Thanks for the lion king

Charlene Allen

September 12, 2024

He was the best of humanity. He was larger than life and so filled with grace. My family and I mourn with the family and family of humanity.

K. Monroe

September 12, 2024

"King"......"Coming to America "/// Lion King! I will enjoy viewing all the wonderful art you made over the years...may your legacy shine bright and resonate with the world!!
My condolences to all who are affected by your passing on...

Bonnie Herring

September 12, 2024

He was very good in House Md.

Brenda smith

September 12, 2024

Michael Kennedy

September 12, 2024

I in joyed the movies he was in.

Dr. Russell Allen(Lady Marcus) Wright, Sr.

September 12, 2024

I will that Mr. Jones has be a part of the Very Fabric of My Life. I have watched and admired Him for over 50 Years.

Brennen Garcia

September 12, 2024

Thank You for see field of dreams movie, the lion king movie, the sandlot movie, and star wars movie.

RIP James Earl Jones and I will missed you.

Lance Collins

September 11, 2024

My condolences to his family! He was a great actor and a fine man! We will never forget him! RIP Mr. Jones

Mark Balli

September 11, 2024

I remember walking down Hollywood Blvd with my brother and sister. My brother said “hey there’s James Earl Jones”. I said where? I looked over and you were doing a film for the BBC or something. While you parked my sister took a picture with you and I reached in and shook that soft big bear paw of a hand. It was an honor to meet you sir. May you rest in peace sir and may God bless you and your family.

Raj Matthis

September 11, 2024

Thank you. You are the best .

Carolyn Rucker

September 11, 2024

We're going to miss him I like the movie
He was playing of Claudine he was a very good actor

Conor

September 11, 2024

Thank you for being my favorite actor ever. I will always cherish the memories of you as Mufasa. I was sad when you passed in the Lion King and I am sad today. I will miss you and your work very much. Conor Wood

September 11, 2024

Rest in peace, James Earl Jones, the voice of Mufasa and Darth Vadar. Remember who you are!

Brennen Garcia

September 11, 2024

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

May you Rest in Peace

Lord Jesus Name. Amen

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January 24, 2025

Jason Simpson posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2025

Gary Hoetker posted to the memorial.

December 17, 2024

Alicia Perry posted to the memorial.