On June 20, 1943 in Kilgore, Texas, James Earl Stoker, Sr. and Mertie Steadham Stoker gave birth to their third child and first boy. With much pride, they named him James Earl Stoker, Jr. On July 19, 2020 God called James in. James was educated in Kilgore ISD's segregated schools and graduated from C.M. Dansby High School in 1961; after playing football, running track and playing in the band.
James moved to Dallas, Texas immediately following graduation and while feeling destined for success, he eventually became an entrepreneur. He owned and operated House of Sole Shoe stores with 3 locations in Dallas and Fort Worth. He was also a car salesman, yet he retired from AmeriCredit Financial in 2005. Following retirement he began to work for Mansfield Golf Club and remained at Riverside Golf until the day of his passing. James began his golfing resume' when he was 12 years old, his grandfather, Rufus Stoker, took him as a caddie where he was grounds keeper, Roy H. Laird Country Club. He grew into an avid golf lover, earning his golf certification from USTGF, being on the board of "The Holt/Bowser Scholarship Foundation", and then began giving golf lessons in the DFW Metroplex.
James accepted Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Westview Church of Christ in Kilgore, Texas. He became a member of The Stop Six Church of Christ, under the leadership of Dr. STW Gibbs, Jr. He remained faithful until his death at East Pointe Church of Christ (formally Stop Six C.O.C.), under the leadership of Bro. Kristopher K. DarDar, Sr. Brother Stoker was a leader and role model to many of the young brothers. James met and married his soul mate, Bernetta Johnson, after which they enjoyed traveling to many different states and foreign countries. He played golf at each location they visited.
James was preceded in death by both parents, James and Mertie Stoker; sister, Faye Williams, and brother Calvin L. Stoker.
Missing him until the rapture, his loving wife, Bernetta Stoker; four children, Monza Cedric, DeMarcus Stoker and Chauquis Johnson; sister, Merlene Stoker; grandchildren, Monika Stoker, Robert Monk II, Misty Stoker, Destiny Stoker, Demontia Stoker, Sympony Lejune, Demarcus Stoker Jr., Markinus Stoker, Denique Kirven, and Channing Kirven; 11 great-grandchildren; aunts, Mamie Mumprey and Alean Lampkin; and a host of beloved relatives and friends.
