James Givens was a loving husband, father and a "father figure" to many.  He was a generous and caring brother, neighbor and friend.  He valued family above all and championed for the "little man".  He was quick to share a smile, humble in spirit and loved by many.

James Givens, 80, departed this life unexpectedly on the morning of September 14, 2023, with family by his side.

He leaves behind to celebrate his legacy and cherish his memory one devoted daughter, A. Michele Givens of Cary; and one brother, John A. (Ellen) Givens, of Winston-Salem, NC, amongst many.

James was the youngest of seven born to the union of Grant and Annie Givens in Catawba, SC on May 2, 1943. He moved to Winston-Salem in 1958 and lived on Highland Avenue where he made many lifelong friends.  There he also met and later married Cornelia "Jean" Harris, in a covenant lasting more than 50 years prior to her transition in 2018.  To their union was born their daughter, Michele.

James served in the U.S. Army's 566th Area Support Medical Company 1965 – 1967. Following his time in service he returned to Winston-Salem where he was among the first African American residents in Morningside Manor. There he would raise his family and reside until his recent death. An RJ Reynolds retiree with over 25 years of service, he was a humanitarian that never met a stranger. His extended family, God sons, Keith (Keely) Sherard and KJ Sherard; God daughters, Angie (Will) Drewry, all of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Kelly Woods of Bowie, MD; bonus sisters, Janie Bell Waters and Mildred Thomas, both of Rock Hill, SC; and nieces, nephews, cousins, special loved ones and friends loved him dearly and will truly miss him.

He is now reunited with his wife, Cornelia "Jean" Givens; parents, Grant and Annie Givens; and brothers: Sammy, Emmanuel, Willie, and JC Givens, all who preceded him in death.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pmpm until 5:00pm Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael King officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 1:00pm on Thursday at the Chapel.