Mr. James Whitcomb, Jr. passed on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2 pm Greater First United Baptist Church. 1409 Deep River Road High Point, North Carolina 27265. Visitation begins at 1:30 pm.
On September 7, 1944, in Kansas City, Kansas, James and Lillian Whitcomb welcomed James Lloyd Whitcomb, Jr., who was the first born of their eight children. He excelled at playing football and was a nineteen sixty-two graduate of Sumner High School. James continued his education at Parsons’ Community College on an athletic scholarship. Later, at Kansas State College, Emporia, Kansas, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in elementary education. James was blessed with the gift of music, teaching himself to play the electric guitar, organ and drums. His melodious voice, which he inherited from his father, provided him many opportunities to help fund his educational expenses. While in college, he and a group of friends founded the “Elegants”, and they performed on weekends at local venues on and off campus. Around this time, he pledged the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He was a faithful member of his fraternity until his health failed. Following graduation, James was recruited by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football team. His brief athletic career ended due to an injury.
At the University of Southern California, James continued his education and earned a master’s degree in Public Administration. This led him to a lengthy and rewarding career with the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Once again, James excelled. While serving in positions in Kansas City, Houston, Texas, Greensboro, North Carolina and Spartanburg, South Carolina, he received sixteen (16) Outstanding Performance Awards.
James loved to travel and visited many places in the United States. His love for Christ motivated him to participate in a multiple-week missionary journey to Africa.
On Sunday, October 9, 2022, as James (Sonny) slept peacefully, his spirit was released back into the arms of his Heavenly Father. While he will be eternally missed on this side of heaven, we rest assured and are encouraged that he is safe in the master’s arms. James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lillian Whitcomb and two brothers; Jerry and Charles Michael Whitcomb.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Frances Whitcomb; one brother, Frederick Whitcomb (LaWanna); four sisters, Dr. Monetta Foster, Janice Russell, Stella Ling and Toni McClaine; children, Stancia Whitcomb Jenkins (Andre), Raymond Mintz, Rodney Mintz, Cheryl Cheston (Reginald), Chandra Williams (Mark), Donna Jones, Arleatha Wheeler (Jerome) and Tasha Madkins; grandchildren, McCarty, Dietrich, Jonathan, Phillip, Ryan, Kayla, Reginald II, Rah, Alvarez, Asia, Shane, Melody, Dominic and Madison; seven great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be Live Stream, go to perryjbrownfuneralhome.com.
I'D ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD, 2 MEETING CUZ SONNY ,HIS FAMILY & THE HORSES. HE WAS ALWAYS SO WARM,WELCOMING & INVITING, WITH HIS FAMILY INVITATIONS, WHENEVER WE'D MEET 4 OUR FAMILY ONLINE, GET TOGETHERS.YOU'VE EARNED ETERNAL REST, AFTER A LIFE WELL LIVED CUZ VICKI WASHINGTON, D.C.
Dearest family the life and legacy of cousin Sonny will always be an asset to the family. He gave selfishly to generations of loved ones. We admired and loved him. Our prayers are with the family. Cousin Butch Henderson (Fleurette)
I am so sad to see such a giant in our family away from us so soon. Sonny was not only my cousin, but I looked up to him always as a leader of our greater Whitcomb family, especially as his voice was huge at our reunions. I will sorely miss his presence. Fran, Stancia and his brothers and sisters, I express my condolences and will be praying for your family. Rhonda F Bedell (daughter of Mary Bedell) from Maryland.
I am so sad to see such a giant in our family away from us so soon. Sonny was not only my cousin, but I looked up to him always as a leader of our greater Whitcomb family, especially as his voice was huge at our reunions. I will sorely miss his presence. Fran, Stancia and his brothers and sisters, I express my condolences and will be praying for your family. Rhonda F Bedell (daughter of Mary Bedell) from Maryland.
Words cannot express the sadness I feel for the loss of a dear family member. He truly will be missed and the family is in my prayers. I love you all.
Condolences to the family of my nephew, James (Sonny) Whitcomb. He will be sorely missed but forever remembered.
William Whitcomb (Megan)
Cousin Sonny, you are loved, and your life was blessed! With love and sympathy, Vanessa Joyner (Mary Ann Bedell's daughter)
Aunt Fran I am so sorry for your Loss you and the family have my deepest condolences and prayers. I Love you. Your Niece Traci Harris Reed
May God grant you comfort during this hard time." Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Whit will be truly missed. The Sturdivant's
Thinking of you and keeping you in prayer during this difficult time. May God bless and keep you and your family in His loving care. If I may be of assistance in any way do not hesitate to let me know. 🙏🙏 Brenda Brown and Family
To the Family of: James Whitcomb, Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We will miss the musical talents that "Chip" added to our band, The Elegants! He was my former roommate at Kansas State Teacher's College (KSTC) Emporia, KS. and like another brother. We were family! He will be missed! Delvin and Shirley McGilbray
Dear Stancia and Family,
Our thoughts are with you during this time. Please know that we are and will continue to be praying for you, and thinking about you as you deal with the loss of your Father. Even though death takes our loved ones from us, death can never take away the memories.
Stancia..your devoted love for your father will be something that God will bless you for. What a wonderful thing that you were able to be with him and spend time comforting him.
May peace come your way soon.
Love, Mr.Kim R. Wrench and Kevin Overstreet Kansas City, Mo
Fran, I'm so sorry to hear of James passing. I remember him as such a kind man. God bless you and your family with peace! Sylvia Bass
Fran, I'm so sorry to hear of James passing. I remember him as such a kind man. God bless you and your family with peace! Sylvia Bass
My sincere condolences go out to this wonderful family. My prayers of comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding continue to surround you all. Love, Donna Holland
James was a kind and honorable man, always encouraging family and others to serve the Lord and become all they can. The citizens in Tarboro,NC,Princeville NC and myself will always remember the terrible hurricane and James assistance and contributions while he was employed with H.U.D.. With Sympathy Mr. & Mrs. Harry Knight, Jr Raleigh, NC
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
Preserve and share memories of your loved one by creating a Forever Missed online memorial. More at Forever Missed