James Roscoe Cane

James Roscoe Cane, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. May 6, 1941, in Wilson County, NC, he was the fourth child of six children, born to the late Earlie Cane and Lena Burns Cane. From an early age, James was grounded in faith, having been baptized at New Vester Missionary Baptist Church. A dedicated scholar and hard worker, he graduated from Richard B. Harrison High School in 1960 before earning his bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University in 1964. His commitment to service led him to the United States Army, where he served with distinction, earning the rank of Sergeant First Class, and receiving the honor as a Purple Heart recipient.
Following his military service, James began his career as a bus driver in Washington, D.C. before moving to Philadelphia, where he met the love of his life, Evelyn White. The two married on December 15, 1973, and together built a beautiful life centered around love, faith, and family. James later found his professional calling with the Department of Agriculture as a Soil Conservationist, a role in which he took great pride, and which led him to multiple Pennsylvania townships. In these townships, which included Sharon, Altoona, Towanda, Brookhaven, and State College, he made lasting memories and lifelong friendships.
Just as he was a leader and dedicated himself to his career, James demonstrated these same values with his family. He was a wealth of information to not only his sons, but to immediate and extended family as well. Just like EF Hutton, when James spoke, people listened. The advice and directions he offered were invaluable and priceless. His dedication to family was evident in his service as Treasurer for the Burn Family Reunion for over 20 years. He just passed the reigns to the assistant treasurer on February 23, 2025, as his health declined.
A man of integrity, wisdom, and warmth, James was an avid golfer, a devoted Christian, and above all, a dedicated family man. His love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was immeasurable, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments.
He leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, and kindness that will continue to inspire those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rose M. Potts (Cane), his sister-in-law, Velois Cane, and his niece Pamela Cane.
James is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Evelyn Cane; his sons, Keith O'Neil, Terence Cane, and Michael Cane; his surrogate daughter, April O'Neal-Garden; his cherished grandchildren, Alaina, Chase, Azariah, Terrell, Lennox, DeMarqus, Antonio, and Ashton; his brothers, Walter Cane and Levi Cane; his sister, Kathleen Cane; his brothers-in-law, Jesse White (Sue) and George White (Bessie); his sister-in-law Catherine Williams and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
James Cane lived a life of purpose, love, and service. His unwavering faith and devotion to family will forever be remembered and cherished. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived and the countless ways he touched our hearts.
Matthew 25:23 –"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Oak Grove Baptist Church located at 200 Sims Parkway in Harrisburg. The visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. followed by the funeral service at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025 at The Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury NC. The burial is scheduled to begin at 10:00 A.M. Lamb Funeral Home Inc. will be serving the family.