Corporal James Harold Gist Jr.

James Harold (Big Jim) Gist Jr., loving son of the late James Harold Gist Sr. and Mary Gist
was born August 31st, 1949, in Fort Knox Kentucky. He was the fourth born of 9 children,
Leroy, WillaMae, Bertha, Billy, Mary Ann, David, Michael & the youngest Kathy. He was a
US Marines veteran and served 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam war in 1970 & 1971 where he
was awarded several commendations for bravery and valor. Upon returning home from the
war James continued with his 1st passion which was singing, as one of the founding
members of the 1960´s and 70´s R&B group The TnJ´s out of Trenton NJ, which consisted
of lead vocalist Elijah (EJ) Jones, Joe Anderson, Barry Higginbotham, Al Stroman & Greg
Jamerson. The group had regional success with songs such as "She´s not Ready", "Do
Gooder's", "Don´t you worry about Me", & "Falling in Love" Produced by Bunny Sigler, who
produced such acts as Patti Label, The O´Jays, Lou Rawls and The Whispers just to name a
few. The groups musicians included Raymond Earl (bass) Scottie Miller (drums) Kim Miller
(lead guitar) and in later years his youngest brother Michael (Hootie) Gist joined the group
on (percussions). Sigler later split the musicians who then formed the band "Instant Funk"
they had a #1 hit single "I Got my Mind Made Up" in 1979 on Salsoul Records. After years
of traveling and performing James decided to take a break from the spotlight and returned
to his hometown of Trenton, NJ where he worked at Mercer Hospital for 10 years before
moving to, and settling in Fayetteville NC, in 2013. James took that same passion and love
that he had for music and applied it to his professional career at Cumberland County Dept.
of Social Services where he was adored by his co-workers. This is also where he was
introduced to his lovely wife Tracy, whom he met in 2014. After a year of dating, they
decided to jump the broom, and they were married on April 25th, 2015.
He departs this life, but his memory lives on, and his spirit is etched in the hearts of the
following who mourn his passing; His loving wife of 10 years Tracy Gist, sons Terence Reed
of Phoenix AZ & Anthony Branch of Clayton NC, his daughter Nakia Roberson of Atlanta
GA, son-in-Laws, Korey (Big Oomp) Roberson of Atlanta GA and Kyle Thomas of Clayton
NC, Grand- children Taj Reed of Brooklyn NY, Nakoreya Roberson, Narie Roberson, and
Korey Brandon James Roberson all of Atlanta GA also a Great Grandson Noah Brown
Roberson. His surviving siblings, brothers Billy and Michael Gist, sisters Willa Mae Henry &
Kathy Gist of Trenton NJ, sister-in-law Margaret Gist of Trenton NJ, nephews Ronald
Patman, Thomas, Robert and Gale Roy Gist, niece Detta Williams & her husband Kevin
Williams, nieces Valerie Carter, Joyce Carter & Kemba Gist, Tondalaia Huger & Toni Gist of
Trenton, NJ. His bonus children, Rudolph Robinson of Atlanta GA, Aubrea Green &
husband Tony Green of Virginia Beach VA, Troy Shackleford of Fayetteville NC, a host of
great nieces & nephews, extended family members and close friends. And last, but
certainly not least, his loyal pet Pomeranian/Shitzu "Curtis."