James communicated his love language by being a provider to many members of his family.  James was so kind, responsible, and patient that, at one point, his Sunday mornings consisted of dropping off his mom (Pete/Granny) and his aunt (Reedy) at church and then circling around to pick up his younger daughters to take them to church so that they could avoid going so early with their mom. He would finish this afternoon by picking his mom and aunt back up from church. He did this every Sunday and would even stop by Hardee's so his girls could get a biscuit, when they desired such.  His oldest daughter remained close as his roommate for many years as a young adult, demonstrating how great and peaceful of a relationship they had. James' family will forever be grateful that he added the words of "I love you" to complete his language, in recent years.

James was an inspiration to all in terms of financial stewardship, retiring early at age 52 as a truck driver from the UPS. A few years later, he experienced a brain aneurysm that could have ended his life. However, The Lord performed a miracle and allowed him over 22 years of additional life. The Lord knew his family was not ready for him to go at that time. Thankfully, his mom, his aunt, and his sister (Shirley) gave him steadfast and reliable care over these years. Shirley supported James as caretaker: completing daily work, coming over multiple times a day, handling all care and affairs; helping James to stay in his home and do exactly what he wanted.

Each and every day, you could catch James at home; much to the dismay of his daughters who would offer to take him places and would fuss that he needed to get out more.  But, James was content.  He enjoyed sitting outside on his ramp, watching visitors drive off.  He had an affinity for mentioning that he was once young and still could look young.  His loved ones will miss calling that landline home phone number that still just gave a busy tone when James was on the line, talking for a while and doing his wild laugh.  Maybe James will consider some modern technology in eternity.  Then again, his old-school stereo system probably sounds better than a lot of the latest tech.  And, in recent years, he did embrace taking selfies with his daughters.

James was a lover of gold jewelry and wore multiple necklaces and multiple rings. That may sound like a lot, but that actually looked pretty stylish. In the summers before his disability, he liked to pair the jewelry with his silk/poly/linen collared shirt, short sets and not-so-stylish socks and sandals. He would always tell his daughters that he needed to show them how to cut grass and also drive a stick-shift vehicle, as he had a love for practicality and cars. He would show them what he considered to be resourcefulness, like drying off car windows with old newspapers. He was proud of that.

He was also proud to be a grandfather. He was Pa Pa and the best friend to his only grandson, Jalen Straite. He was special to his only granddaughter, Angel Carrington.

In addition to his grandchildren, left to reminisce on these memories and more are: his daughters, Teresa Bostic (Rajay), April Straite, and Carmesia Straite; his sister, Shirley Wilson Bolden; nephews, Murdis E. Wilson (Sandra), Maurice E. Wilson (who helped maintain James' grass and hair), Charles Bolden (Parrish), and Maron D. Douglas; niece, LaTarsha Reid and a host of other family and friends.

Those meeting James over yonder include his infant son, James Edward Straite (whom he talked about often); his grandparents that helped raise him; his parents, Thelma "Pete" Davis Wilson and Edward Wilson; his brother, David S. Wilson; his sister Peggy Ann Wilson Douglas (Harry); his aunts Clarice "Reedy" Davis, and Cleo Wilson.