A celebration of life for Reverend James Lashae Blackledge, Jr. James was born to James L. Blackledge, Sr. and Ingrid Williams-Blackledge, on April 2, 1980.
James professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Lake Grove M.B. Church, Jericho, Arkansas under the pastoral leadership of his father, Rev. James L. Blackledge, Sr. who baptized him. Later he joined Bethel A.M.E. Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. C. E. Ware.
James excelled at an early age at Ms. Lees Montessori School with exceptional learning skills. James attended Hanley Elementary and later Snowden School where he was the singing Christmas Tree. This was the start of his musical ministry. James was a member of the youth fraternity with the East Arkansas O.E.S. and Knights of Pythagoras.
James performed in the W.C. Handy Theater at Liberty Land where he had a starring role.
This broadened his career path in music and theater, which lead him to Wooddale Optional School where he excelled. James was the recipient of numerous awards which included but not limited to All West Tennessee Choir and All State Tennessee Choir, where he sang first tenor. He also sang with the Bryan Hunter Chorale, and The Metropolitan Mass Church. James performed at various venues across the city and other states.
James was very astute in his musical career. James was very diverse and displayed his musical genius by not only playing and singing, but by teaching, coaching, and conducting workshops for various choirs and churches.
James further expanded his educational scope attending Remington College. He earned an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Information Technology.
It was always a pleasure for James to accompany his grandmother “Mary-Grandmommie” and Cousin Ana on the organ and piano, and such a joy to watch our family play, sing and glorify God together.
One of his greatest accomplishments was leading the Arkansas district choir as the Minister of Music for the East Arkansas District Association.
Although this was a great accomplishment for James, his biggest accomplishment was being ordained as one of Gods chosen Ministers. In 1996 James was ordained and chosen to spread the Gospel according to Jesus Christ.
JAMES:” THE TRUE PRAISER AND WORSHIPPER OF GOD !!!”
James’s grandparents preceded him in death: Maternal Grandparents: Rev. Mary Jean Evans, Mr. Hampton May. Paternal Grandparents: Mrs. Johnell Greer, Mr. Willie Blackledge.
Two Uncles preceded him in death: Norman Shapiro Greer and Mose Thompson Britt.
Two Aunts preceded him in death: Essie Williams and Hursean Nicholson.
James leaves to mourn his passing: his parents Rev. James L, Sr. and Ingrid Williams-Blackledge.
A loving and devoted Sister: Elnora Marie Antoinette Blackledge (Frederick, Sr.) Lee. Nieces and nephew, D’Aubre Nicole Blackledge-Lee, Jayla Hursean Lee, Frederick, Jr and Felicia Lee, and Juliauna Marie Blackledge-Lee.
Four uncles: Charlie Ed “Chuck” Thomas III (Sherri), Robert John Cleveland Britt, and Willie James “Hollywood” Evans III (Natasha), Howard (Eleanor) Greer. Three Aunts: Violet Myers, Gloria Shered and Viola Greer, goddaughter: Desiraye Alexander. god sisters, Lynette Garrett, Denise Bernard. A very special friend Nekita Stokes and a close friend Kaye McDaniel, and a host of family and friends to mourn his absence.
The Legacy, The Heritage, and The Mantle of Prayer are now passed on to us to pick up and continue in it.
He is now resting in the arms of 'Jesus" as we celebrate his life today.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
~ Matthew 11:28-30
