ST. JOHN’S – James Grayson Harrell, age 89, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie.

Mr. Harrell was born in Hertford County on January 18, 1925, a son of the late Henry Cecil and Ima Joyner Harrell.  He was an active member of St. John’s Baptist Church for 70 plus years, and was retired as a farmer, a profession that he truly loved, and from the NC Department of Transportation. James Grayson was also a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Davie Masonic Lodge #32 AF & AM, the Sudan Shrine Temple in New Bern, Scottish Rite, the Gideons, and a charter member of the St. Johns Fire Department.

Besides his parents, Mr. Harrell was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy Proctor Harrell.  Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Janet Harrell Joyner and husband, David, of St. John’s; his son, Wayne Harrell and wife, Valeria; a sister, Laura Jean Harrell of St. John’s; and a brother, Donnie Harrell and wife, Carolyn, of St. John’s.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Tyler Harrell, Alexis Harrell, Greg Joyner and wife, Laura, and Russell Joyner and wife, Anelle; and his great grandchildren, Grayson, Camryn, Madison and Mason Joyner.

The Harrell family will receive friends at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. and other times at the home of his daughter, Janet and David Joyner.  A celebration of life service will be conducted on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Baptist Church, New Building Fund, 1650 NC Hwy 461, Ahoskie, NC, 27910.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is serving the Harrell family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.