David Earl James

David Earl James,76, passed away on March 10, 2026. He was called home to begin his eternal voyage with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the kingdom of Heaven.

David was born June 16,1949 to Muriel and M.A. James in Columbia, North Carolina. He is preceded in death by his wife Octavia Ann Armstrong and brother’s Teddy, Thurman, Lee Staton and a baby sister (name unknown).

David is survived by his son Michael B James and wife Kim; 4 grandchildren, Amy Casteel (Joseph), Jackson (J.P), Riley and Zachary James, all of Pinetops; sister-in-law Brenda Dickson (Ronnie) of Tarboro, sister-in-law Brenda James of Washington; nephew’s Tee and Matthew James, Pete and Chip Dickson, and several great nieces and a great nephew.

David graduated from North Edgecombe High School in 1968 after which he joined the US Air Force. He served in Vietnam and several United States Air Stations as an aircraft maintenance specialist. He was honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of Sergeant. He worked as a maintenance technician, beginning at Formica and ending with retirement from ABB.

He was an active member of Penders Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He was a devoted husband and caregiver for his wife Ann during her time of illness. He passed away peacefully Tuesday March 10, 2026, at ECU Health Edgecombe in Tarboro after illness with cancer.

Special thanks to Brenda Dickson, Pastor Johnny Hendricks and the entire ECU Healthcare team during his illness. 

A Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM at Penders Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Tarboro.

A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 3:00 PM at Penders Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Tarboro, with interment following at Edgecombe Memorial Park in Tarboro.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers and food, may be made in David’s memory to Penders Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.