James White

James White was born on September 1, 1929, in Dixons Mills, Alabama, to the late Joe and Bertha White. He confessed Christ at an early age and became a member of Rockbabylon Missionary Baptist Church in his hometown. After graduating from Marengo High School, James was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country with honor. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Alabama and pursued his passion for cooking by attending culinary school in Mobile. He later relocated to Michigan, where he found employment with the railroad and the Veterans Hospital. While in Michigan, James became a devoted member of Galilee Baptist Church, serving faithfully on the Deacon Board. In 1968, he returned home to Dixons Mills to assist in caring for his father. He began working at McMillan Bloedel in Pine Hill, Alabama, where he remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 1995 after 37 years of service.

On April 13, 1969, James was united in holy matrimony with Ida J. White (née Johnson). Their loving union of 56 years was blessed with four wonderful children. James peacefully departed this life on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at his home in Dixons Mills. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Bertha White; his daughter, Bridgett Grant; and four siblings: Mertha May (Jake) Burts, Mattie (Melvin) Bouler, Bernice (Galloway) Moore, and Roy White.

James leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his legacy: Children – Arthur N. Dunning III, Shawn O. White, Christopher J. White, Sharmel Bolton, and bonus daughter Janet Pharr

Grandchildren – Cassidy (Jesse) Hall, Demetris (Coranay) Pritchett, Chrysta White, Channing White, and bonus granddaughters Cherish Pharr,Chamarra Pharr and E’Lysia Agee

Great-grandchildren – Amira M. Bolton, Ava Lynn Bolton, King A. Bolton, La’Dale C. Pritchett, Desirae D. Pritchett, Evelynitte D. Pritchett, and Demetris C. Pritchett Jr.

Siblings – Joseph (Dimple) White, George (Carrie) White, Louis White, and Thelma Lockett

Sister in laws – Joyce White and Emma White

James also touched the lives of many extended family members who lovingly called him “Dad” and “Uncle,” including Diane Edwards, Mary Burrell, LaToya and Tony Agee. He was blessed with devoted neighbors, Bobby and Laverne Jones, and Annie Poellnitz along with a host of nieces, four devoted Melissa Bouler, Marion Harris, VeledaLockett and Chelena Whitfield, nephews, cousins, and friends.

James White will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to family. His legacy lives on through all those who were privileged to know and love him.