Deacon Leroy James

Condolences may be forwarded to: The Family of Deacon Leroy James c/o Ms. Renee Darden
3321 Stone Bend Drive, Winterville, NC 27834
Leroy James was born on April 14, 1933, to Lawrence and Flossie Simmons James. Raised on a farm in Ahoskie, North Carolina in a close-knit family of twelve, his life was influenced by a love of God, family and community. He was involved with 4 H Club activities as a young man where he was mentored by a local farm agent. Leroy graduated from C. S. Brown High School and went on to attend North Carolina A&T State University where he received his B.S. in Animal Husbandry in 1957 and a masters in Agricultural Education in 1971. He later attended N.C. State University in Raleigh, N.C. working towards his doctorate. It was during his time at North Carolina A&T that Leroy met the love of his life, Bettye. They were married on February 22, 1957, and from their union, they were blessed with one daughter, Wanda. He always stressed the importance of family, and no greater love could be seen than that of his role as devoted husband and father.
Leroy James had a long career in helping others in his community. He worked 31 years in the agricultural extension service of Goldsboro and Greenville N.C. starting in 1958. He was named chairman of the Pitt County Agricultural Extension Service in 1978, where he organized grass root support for farm programs. He was very active in a myriad of community organizations. Leroy was president of the N.C. Agricultural Agents Association, a trustee for Pitt County Memorial Hospital for 9 years and vice chairman of the board, a Master Mason at Mount Cavalry Lodge 669 in Greenville, a member of Roanoke Consistory 248, Williamston, a member of Rofelt Pasha Temple Shrine 175 in Rocky Mount for over 30 years, a charter member of Fayza Temple Shrine #254 and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. beginning in 1987.
Leroy James was a faithful Christian from childhood as a member of Philippi Baptist Church in Cofield, NC and then a member of Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, NC for over sixty years; a Deacon for over fifty years. He was instrumental in securing the land for the present site. When the bank office stated that the congregation couldn't afford a loan for the construction of a new building, it was Deacon James who looked him straight in his eyes and proclaimed, "we've been here over 100 years, how dare you tell me what my God can't do". The banker called Deacon James at sunrise the next day and stated that his words had touched him and he hadn't slept all night. Thus, the loan was approved! Deacon James also negotiated the purchase of extra lots adjacent to the church at a more than reasonable price. Deacon James along with Deacon Sam Hairston with their own sweat and labor, built what is referred to as the picnic shelter in the rear of the church. In 2021, Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist church bestowed upon Deacon James a Trailblazer award for being hired as the first African American Director of the Pitt County Agricultural extension office. When the church sold the parsonage, it was Deacon Leroy James who made the motion at a congregation meeting to pay off the church mortgage. The motion was approved. Deacon Leroy James was a proud member of the Male chorus, the Men's Fellowship ministry and the Budget committee.
As a lifelong North Carolinian, Leroy was always active in his local community. He created the Pitt County Farmers Market around 1982 when he was approached by farmers in the area that needed a place to sell their produce. In 2015 he was honored by the Pitt County Board of Commissioners, as they named the market he established after him. The Leroy James' Farmer's Market has been in service for nearly 30 years and is now home to over 35 local vendors and serves more than 100,000 customers annually.
Leroy was recognized for his efforts towards improving the daily lives of his fellow Tarheels by receiving The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state's highest civilian honor. Leroy received this honor for his proven record of 50 years of extraordinary service to the State of North Carolina. He joined other notable past recipients Dean Smith, Colin Powell, Sidney Poitier, Maya Angelou, Michael Jordan, and Coretta Scott King. Leroy received his prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine award in April 2016.
Leroy was the pillar of his family leading with quiet strength and unwavering commitment to his siblings, wife, daughter, nieces, and nephews. His wise advice served as the catalyst for the success of many family members. In the James family, Leroy was known as the brother and uncle who was always sharply dressed; never seen without one of his signature hats. He had a special way of connecting with others-always taking the time to ask how you were doing and genuinely wanting to know what was going on in your life. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching basketball, baseball and football. He was a regular attendee at A&T's Greatest Homecoming on Earth (GHOE) and often went to the CIAA tournament.
Leroy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bettye Carter James in 2011 and his cherished daughter, Wanda Arlene James in 2022. He was also predeceased by several of his siblings, Percy James, Beulah Hunter, Arthur James, Helen Wiggins, Sherman James, Clarice Hill, Delilah James, Lawrence James Jr, and Moses James. He is survived by his two sisters, Josephine Rolle and Shirley Reid, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends who will miss him dearly.