James B. Pressley

The Man, The Myth, The Legend
James Benjamine Pressley was born on October 24, 1930, in Nesmith, South Carolina to Columbus and Amelia Pressley. James Pressley passed away October 10, 2024.
Jim Pressley accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He was a member Of the Tenth Street Baptist Church, Brooklyn Union Baptist Church, and Believers Worship Center. When the time came when he could not attend church services any longer, he watched Jimmy Swaggert on the television. All the while devoting his time and energy to his faith and helping others.
Upon his graduation from Brown High School in South Carolina, he joined the military under the Branch of United States Air Force where he served four years. He attended Chaflin College, South Carolina and Radio & Electronics Institute, Pennsylvania where he honed his skills in mechanics and electronics.
His post-military career was equally distinguished. He began his Federal career working for the Department of Transportation. Pentagon, Bolling Airforce Base and Andrews Air Force Base. Jim always loved to drive. Starting with driving the military band while in the Service, chauffeuring government officials and dignitaries while working in the federal government where he retired in 1985. While working for the government and not one to sit around he drove a taxi part-time for 23 years and ended his transportation career with driving Uber and Lyft.
A true entrepreneur, Jim owned and managed apartment buildings, ran Jim's Home Improvement and part owner of M & J Beauty Salon and later at the Home Depot where he applied his craftsmanship and passion for helping others. He officially retired from working in 2017.
Jim met, courted and married the woman of his dreams, Ellen Eugene Pressley. They built a marriage of love, trust and partnership. Upon meeting her he started helping with the repairs for Ellen's businesses; ESR Senior Care Facility and Maree's Early Learning Center. They enjoyed reading the Bible and attending Bible Study together, traveling back and forth between their homes in Florida and Maryland where they would host many family gatherings. Jim enjoyed playing dominos with Alvin Byrd, Darlene, Roger and Mykal and, anyone else that decided to sit at the table and take him on. Ellen's family became his family, and his family became Ellen's merging both into one big family. Jim was often visited by his nephews and nieces from out of state who were passing through or coming to a birthday party hosted for him. Anything he could do for you, he
would, he was a wonderful person.
Affectionately to many as "Diamond Jim", "James Brown" or JB for his sharp good looks and unique style. Jim lived by the guiding principles of "Love God and love thy neighbor as you would love yourself." And "If I can help somebody along the way, then I have done good". These mottos defined his life and his commitment to family, community, and service. He also was known for his easy going and humorous personality, Jim brought laughter to everyone around him. When faced with life's challenges, he tackled them
with strength, courage and unwavering resolve earning admiration from family & friends, alike. A lover of all American made cars (mustang, falcon, Cadillac, Lincoln) and especially his Ford 1999 pickup truck, Jim took great pleasure driving his vehicles and spending time with his family. A lifelong fan of the Washington Commanders, Judge Judy, CNN, and local news.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, sons Darrell T. Pressley, Ashton E. Flemmings, Jr., daughter Rachelle Denise Smallwood, grandson Semaj Alsobrooks and 24 siblings. He leaves to cherish, his wife Ellen Eugene Pressley, sister Willie Pressley, daughter, Aniedria Carter (Antonio), Lolita Flemmings-Lee, Darlene Clark (Roger), Deborah Neblett (Wayne), Sonia Neblett, Michelle Neblett, Sharon, Crystal, Ronald,
Eric (Brenda), Lashon and Stephanie and daughters-in-love Carlene Hawkins and Mary Adams, son-in-love Henry Adams. Grandchildren: Tyjuane Hodge (Kara), Stephen Wiggs, Brandon Johnson (Angel), Chaz Flemmings, Malachi Lee, Xavier Butler, Joshua Staten and Charlie P. Berluche, Jr., Keona Smallwood, Jazmine Horton, Michelle Lee, Ashleigh Lee (Jazmine), Mykal Lee, Keymaree (Derrick), Eden Neblett Calloway and Jade Pinkney. Great grandchildren and a host of many other family and friends.