James C. Miree

James Columbus Miree was born to the late Daniel L. Miree and Adell Oakes Miree
on February 22, 1937, in Perryville, AL. James grew up in Bessemer, AL, where he
attended Brighton High School and worked for Sears Roebuck & Company.
James accepted Christ at an early age at Perryville Baptist Church. In 1949 the family
moved to Bessemer, Alabama, where he united with First Baptist Church Old
Jonesboro.  Later in life, James reconnected with his childhood sweetheart, Mary
Smith Gatewood, and their love for each other was rekindled. They married and James
joined New Salem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jahari
Sailes.  After the passing of his dearly beloved wife, Mary, he relocated to Detroit,
Michigan, and united with St. John’s Tabernacle, NPC in Warren, Michigan under the
leadership of Archbishop, John L. Jones, II
James (Gator) will be truly missed. James had a great memory and loved playing
cards and checkers. His memory and love of poetry was evidenced by his entertaining
and inspiring recitations that he had memorized since the age of 6. He also loved
family, especially his stepson, Curtis, whom he dearly loved as a son. After moving to
Detroit, they talked to each other almost daily, if not 2-3 times a day. James was very
protective of his sisters. He would say, “I have 10 sisters, and I’ll kill a rock about
them.” He was a man who never met a stranger, whether he was welcoming new
family members and friends or greeting members of his community at Walmart where
he worked as a Greeter after retirement. He was always uplifting and made you feel
just a little bit better with his gracious and generous demeanor.
On Monday, December 16, 2024, God called him home. He is now free of earthly pain
and sickness. He is resting in the arms of God Our Heavenly Father. Preceding him in
death: his dear wife, Mary L. Miree, 1 brother Theodore R. Miree, 1 sister-in-law
(Betsy) and 2 sisters Sarah E. Miree and Annie M. Shaw, and 9 brothers-in-law. He
leaves to remember and cherish his life: 1 stepson, Curtis Gatewood; 1 brother,
Chester Oakes; 1 Goddaughter, Rena Lucas; 1 very beloved niece, Christine Ross and
1 very beloved nephew, Steven Miree; 9 sisters; Bettie Haywood, Geraldine Latham,
Hattie Polk, Adell B. Dickinson, Willie Nell Covington, Jettie Davis, Pauline
Olverson, Ella Green, and Glenda Brown; 1 uncle, Thomas J Miree, 3 aunts, Jessie O.
Miree Parker, Ollie Polk, and Mildred Miree. He, also, leaves many nephews, nieces,
cousins, and a host of relatives and friends.

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