James Edward Israel Sr.

James graduated from George Washington Carver high school in Pinetop, North Carolina 1956. James was born to drive; He was so proud of his very first job as a school bus driver for the Pinetop school district at age 15.

James migrated to New Jersey for better employment opportunities and exhibited early on, hard work ethics, dedication and loyalty to his job. His first job in New Jersey was as a busboy at the famous Pub Restaurant in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

James’s next job opportunity came as a Landscaper for Ilucci’s Garden Mart in Magnolia, New Jersey. He managed to save enough money to build his first and only home in Historical Lawnside, New Jersey where he and his wife Anna Patricia Israel would start their new family.

James later developed a passion for driving trucks that turned into true Love that lasted for over 50 years. This newly found career would enable him to provide for his family and to experience many fulfilling journeys in life.

James drove for many Trucking Companies throughout his career and the first being National Freight. While working for George Transfer Company, James experienced driving his rig over the “Golden Gate Bridge” in San Francisco, California, without knowing that trucks were forbidden from crossing! James escaped a possible arrest and or a heavy fine.

James then woke up and realized that it was more lucrative as being an owner operator, by owning his own trucks while transporting cargo throughout the US. James earned a good income by hiring multiple drivers while he continued to drive until he was 79 years old.

James loved the Lord, he was baptized at an early age and decided to re-dedicate his life to Christ and attend church regularly in his later years. He would not miss a night from not being on his knees praying before bed and many nights falling asleep that way. He would often sing his favorite hymns, “No Not One” and “Amazing Grace”.

James was a true family man, nearly making every family event, birthday celebration, wedding and holiday gathering. At some of these events, James thought that he was “Dancing with the Stars”, man… did he love to dance!

James enjoyed visiting his siblings, nieces/nephews and taking trips back to North Carolina for his high school class reunions while driving his 1969 convertible Cadillac Coupe de Ville. James enjoyed shooting pool with his brother Robert-Earl, son Eric “Straw-balls” Medley, nephew Hal “Geno” Israel and nephew Robert Lewis.

After suffering from a heart attack at the age of 49, James made a commit-ment of exercising regularly and sticking to a strict diet of “mustard greens and corn bread” every other night.

In 2022, James relocated to Charlotte North Carolina with his son Steve and family as he readjusted back to southern living while enjoying his favorite drink “Sweet Tea”.

James went everywhere with his son Steve, who soon became his new father, best friend, workout and prayer partner. While in Charlotte Steve enrolled James into the Gracious Living Senior Day Care, where he became popular very quickly. James loved and cared about his caregivers and friends there. One day he was found praying for a distressed woman at the center who could not stop crying. Everyone watched as James prayed over the women and she immediately ceased crying.

The family will miss hearing some of James sayings that were filled with humor, compliments and encouragement: Whatever you do, don’t worry about a thing, everything will work out; You can say that one more time and then quit; Cuter than a freckled faced pup tied to a Gypsies Cart; Pop you good? Mannnn that food touched all four corners; that taste like more; She looked like the Queen of Sheba; Okay, Catch you on the bounce! I’m ready for quiet Village; Dad, how are you doing… No more No less! Or Same old soup just warmed over!

James is pre-deceased by his parents Ella Mae and Simon Israel, son Milton Lewis, grandson Eric Medley Jr., great-grandson Elijah Witt; brother Isaiah Israel, sisters: Gertrude Woods and Annie Lou Wilborn.

James leaves to cherish his memories, sons: Eric Medley Sr. (Valda), James Israel Jr., Steven Israel (Lorae), Timothy Israel (Mariuxi ), Ronald Israel (Dionna), daughters: Dr. Robin Hill (Alonzo) and Vitelese Hutton “Squirt” (Glenn), grandchildren: DeJon , Kaleb , Shakiyah, Monique, Mahrya (Jeremy), Angela (Kris) Stephanie ( Dylan) Glenn Jr. (Alicia), Christopher Sr. (Authum), Jaylen, Averi, Ashley (Michael), Austin, Aspen, Pilar-Isis, Lucia, Aidanna, Isabella, Magnus, Titus, Victoria, Maliha and a whopping: 16 great-grands and 6 great-great grands.