James LaVern Childs

Mr. James (Atiba) LaVerne Childs Sr was born October 26, 1935, in Flint Michigan. The son of John Wesley Childs Sr and Myrtle (Stewart) Childs. James graduated from Northern High School in Flint Michigan. Following graduation James enlisted in the Army for 4 years stationed in Korea. After his military responsibilities he attended The University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit Michigan where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering, always excelling in all his courses. James was a true militant who believed in education. If you came to Atiba's house, he would make you/us read for 30 minutes. James taught Algebra, Reading, Science, Electronic and SELF LOVE to the youth of Gladstone/Linden community. He was a guest speaker at The Ohio State University for his friend Dr. Kelsey in Black studies. James was one "Bad Man", even in his later years, he taught Hieroglyphics (system of writing using pictorial symbols by Ancient Egyptians). James built a stereo and television by hand; a true "Jack of All Trades". His Nephew Kevin called him a "Rocket Scientist".

James was employed at Newark Aerospace in Newark, Ohio for 35 years where he worked on missiles. James was part of the team at Newark Aerospace that invented a missile schematic diagram where he single-handedly designed the blueprint and drew the wiring to the coolant cart that cools down the missiles. During his time working for the government, he and his friends won a discrimination lawsuit in the early 70's in which they donated all the funds to the NAACP Engineering program. James was also part of the Co-Op on Livingstons where they grew vegetables and handed them out to the community for free. Atiba's favorite saying was "Each One Teach One" as it is our responsibility to teach one another especially about our history so it won't repeat itself.

Our Beloved James L Childs Sr age 89, entered eternal rest on Tuesday June 24, 2025. He was preceded in death by his mother Myrtle and father John Wesley Childs Sr. His lovely wife Avaree Childs (high school sweetheart) together 60 years. sons; James Jr and Johnny Wells. Siblings: brothers; John Jr., Nathan, and Aaron Childs. Sister Docus, Deborah, Martha, Ruth and Rachel. Sister-In-Law Willie Faye.

Loving memories are cherished by his two sons; Eric (Crystal) Childs, Jawanza (Latasha) Childs and two daughters; Geeta (Lawrence) Childs and Trilisa Payne. Daughter-In Law Juanita Wells. Bonus Daughters; Charna, Robin and Monica. Grandchildren; Teela Foster, Arika Suber, Deja Childs, Assante Childs, Eric Childs Jr., Jahari Childs, Taveon Falls, and Brandon (Nichelle) Suber. Great-Grandchildren; Mekhi Sherrel-Foster, J'Khyla, Marinna, Marah, Marquann, Kamari, Lil Brandon and Semaj. Great-Great-Grandchildren; Anyla Gardner-Greene and Samia Childs. Nephews; Kevin and Atiba Wells, John T. III, Richard Daniels, Tawan, Lorenzo, and Letrell Childs. Favorite Nieces; Leola Childs, Denise and Shantia Wells. Favorite Cousin Sandra.