James Henry Colson

Dr. James Henry Colson, born July 25, 1937, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, to the late Charlie Walter Steele and Ola May Colson Spencer, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dr. Colson was a 1955 graduate of Anson County Training School (Faison High), where he excelled academically and participated in the Glee Club, marching band, and football team. He continued his education at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), pausing after three years due to financial constraints. During that time, he worked at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C., as a Certified Nursing Assistant before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably as a Green Beret and paratrooper.

Following his military service, Dr. Colson returned to NCCU, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and beginning graduate studies in 1964. It was there he met his future wife, Lacy, also a science major. They graduated and were married on the same day, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

The couple resided briefly in Massachusetts before Dr. Colson enrolled in Howard University College of Dentistry in 1967. While at Howard, he was initiated into the Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in 1969. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1971.

After several years of practice in Washington, D.C., Dr. Colson and his wife relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, to participate in a state loan redemption program. He became a dedicated member of the Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha and established a successful dental practice in downtown Raleigh. Later, he joined a pioneering group of Black professionals in developing a landmark professional building in South Raleigh to expand access to care and services in the community.

Dr. Colson was a faithful member of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry and as senior warden. Under his leadership, the parish launched a hospitality ministry to strengthen fellowship and implemented a capital fundraising campaign that raised over $178,000.

An avid golfer, Dr. Colson was a devoted member and later president of the Golf Players Association of Raleigh, participating in tournaments across the country. His civic engagement extended to political and professional organizations, including the Wake County Democratic Party, the Wake County Black Democratic Caucus, and the Statewide Black Leadership Caucus. He held leadership positions throughout his life, including president of the Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, senior warden of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, president of the Golf Players Association of Raleigh, and president of the Raleigh component of the National Dental Association.

Dr. Colson is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Lacy Colson; his children, Dr. James H. Colson II (Danette Charles) and Dr. Mellanda Colson Scott (Don); his niece Cynthia Marrow (Barry); and his cherished grandchildren, Jaden and Peyton. Stepmother Marzella Steele (deceased), Sisters Mary Carr, Mellie Colson (deceased), Deborah Steele, Chardayle Robinson (Wilburn), Millicent Steele, Hazelene Steele, Maricoma "Peaches" Hughes (James), Brothers Manzell Spencer (Hester), Lewis Spencer, Jr, Sandy Steele (Deborah), Carl Steele (deceased), and a generous amount of nieces and nephews

His life was defined by service, leadership, and an enduring commitment to his family, community, and faith.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to send donations to Duke/Chapel Hill Alzheimer's Research Center. Please click here Make a Memorial Gift in memory of James H. Colson,http://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth?designation=2910862