James C. Sherrod

On Friday, November 14th, 2025, the Erie community lost a family man, a leader of men and pillar of the community, James C. Sherrod, he was 63 years old. He was born in Pickensville, Alabama on October 16, 1962.
James was a graduate of Mercyhurst University, where he played football and was later enshrined in their athletics hall of fame. He had a 25th year affiliation with the Bayfront NATO Inc/Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and most recently served as their executive director for 18 years. He was a member of the Minority Community Investment Coalition and was part of Our West Bayfront Neighborhood Group. James also was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and served on many boards throughout the years.
He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. James deeply loved his family and community.
He was preceded in death by his mother Mary (Hinton) Sherrod, stepfather Lonzel McCoy, and a sister Detra Sherrod.
James is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Deborah (Schley) Sherrod, his children, Elisha James Sherrod, Curtis Esquibel, Jennifer Mihalic, and Brian Mihalic, wife Alyssa and two grandchildren Arianna and Ethan. He is further survived by his brothers Aubrey Sherrod, Barry Hinton, Lonnie Sherrod, his Aunt Mary Hinton, many cousins, nieces, nephews, his best friend Randy Davis and good friend and supporter Michael Hooks.
Friends are invited to call on Friday from 1 to 3 pm and 5 to 7 pm at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center or the charity of one's choice.