"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

With deep love and heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate the life and legacy of Oscar Lee James, who peacefully entered into eternal rest in the early morning hours of July 22, 2026, at the age of 89.

Oscar was born on September 18, 1936, in Martin County, North Carolina, to the late Arthur James and Janie Estella James. He was one of eleven children, growing up alongside his brothers and sisters: Milton, Howard, Ervin, David, William Thomas, Rudolph, Ruth, Senia, Nora, and Girlie. Raised with strong family values, faith, and a dedicated work ethic, Oscar carried those principles with him throughout his life.

On September 30, 1957, Oscar married the love of his life, Clydie Mae Ore, in Martin County, North Carolina. Shortly after their marriage, they joined the Great Migration, relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they established their home and built a future for their family. Together they shared nearly 48 years of marriage until Clydie's passing on November 25, 2005.

Oscar dedicated many years of faithful service to Boeing Helicopter Company, where he worked until his retirement. He was known as a hardworking, dependable, and humble man who took great pride in providing for his family. His quiet strength and unwavering commitment to his responsibilities earned the respect of both his coworkers and loved ones.

Above all else, Oscar cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His life was a reflection of unconditional love, wisdom, patience, and sacrifice. He believed in taking care of those he loved and quietly led by example, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Oscar was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clydie Mae Ore James; his daughter, Debbie James Pickard; his parents, Arthur James and Janie Estella James; and his siblings, Milton, Howard, Ervin, David, William Thomas, Rudolph, Ruth, Senia, Nora, and Girlie.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted son, Jeffery James (Gwendolyn); his beloved grandchildren, Frankie Pickard, Jeffery James Jr., Patrice Pickard, Denise Pickard, Tiffany James, and a host of great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed by his life and will forever treasure his memory.

Oscar's final chapter reflected the same courage and resilience that defined his life. Even during serious illness, his strength, determination, and unwavering spirit touched everyone around him. His family will forever remember his enduring faith, his gentle smile, and the countless lessons he taught through both his words and his example.

Though he is no longer with us in body, his love, values, and legacy will continue to live on in every life he touched.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

His public viewing will be held on Saturday August 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Manson Mortuary Williamston, NC.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am Manson Mortuary Chapel Williamston, NC. His interment will follow in the Ore Family Cemetery 2495 Garrett Road Williamston, NC. Condolences may be sent through mansonmortuary.com, faxed to (252)792-1370 or emailed to mansonmortuary@yahoo.com. Please keep the James family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Live streaming of the funeral service will be provided by accessing Manson Mortuary’s website (mansonmortuary.com), clicking onto Mr. Oscar James’s obituary page, and following the instructions at the bottom of that page.