Jerome K. James, Sr.

Published 1:48 pm Tuesday, June 10, 2025

AHOSKIE – Jerome Kenneth James, Sr., a lifelong resident of Hertford County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the age of 73 at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. Born on November 14, 1951, in Hertford County, he was a beloved son of the late Emma Verlie Hall James and Horace Clayton James.

Jerome dedicated his professional life to business management at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. His career was unfortunately cut short when he became disabled, yet he remained a respected figure in his community. According to the Meherrin Indian Nation he served as Councilor Jerome James and was a member of Masonic Lodge # 154.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Jerome cherished spending time fishing, hunting, and camping before his disability. In his later years, he found solace and contentment sitting on his porch with friends, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Jerome’s memory will live on through the stories and love shared by those who were touched by his life.

Jerome is survived by his wife, Diana James of Winton; two sons, Jerome James, Jr. of Winton, and Kevin James of Chicago, IL; Terrence and Mann who were like sons to him; his sister, Devra James of Ahoskie; brothers, Loyal James (Vicky) of Ahoskie, Curtis James (Deborah) of Virginia, Larry James (Sonya) of Raleigh, and David James (Landa) of Ahoskie; and a special caregiver, Tomika. Also cherishing his memory are many nieces, nephews, extended family, caregivers, and friends.

The family will receive friends at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, North Carolina from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, with Deacon Howard Walden officiating.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, located at 205 NC Hwy 42 West, PO Box 908, Ahoskie, NC 27910. For more information, please call (252) 332-3122.