James Irving Joyce

DURHAM – James Irving Joyce, 92, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Duke University Hospital. He was born in Rockingham County, NC to the late Dolphus and Sallie Joyce. In addition to his parents, Mr. Joyce was also predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Wyola Hair Joyce, daughter Denise Joyce, son Harold Joyce, brothers Willie and Howard Joyce.
Mr. Joyce was a U.S. Army veteran proudly serving in Europe. When James returned home from service he met the love of his life, Wyola, and they spent many days gardening and harvesting the vegetables. They loved traveling and bus tours to places like Niagara Falls, Canada, Branson Mo. or just camping with the church crowd from Fletcher's Chapel and Suitt St. His passion and joy was to be outside always working on his yard and he continued to do so until his passing. Mr. Joyce also loved to travel with the Happy Wanderers group from church and made sure if they would drive, he would ride. He retired as Produce Manager from Kroger after 39 years of faithful service.
Mr. Joyce is survived by his son, James Joyce Jr.; daughters, Vickie King (Scot) and Linda Griffin; grandchildren, Wesley Joyce, Nikki Shreck (Timmy), Richard King (Angela), Jason King (Ashley), Lauren King (Dan), Andrew Joyce (Taylor); Great Grandchildren, Tristen and Taylor Shreck, Allie, and Beau Joyce. Siblings; sisters, Mary Lee Doss, Hazel Vernon, Earline Franks, and brothers, Wayne, Thomas, Benton, and Glenn Joyce, numerous nieces and nephews and two special people Ann Barbee and Sandra Baker.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, November 10th at Clements Funeral Home in Durham. An additional visitation will begin at noon and the service at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 11th at Durham Memorial Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Otto officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Durham Memorial Baptist Church 133 Robins Rd Durham, NC 27703 or Glenn's Chapel Church 696 Victory Hill Church Rd Stoneville, NC 27048.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.