Sunrise                                                                                                                      Sunset

September 6, 1923                                                                                            August 26, 2018

If I can help somebody as I pass along
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song
If I can show somebody, that he's traveling wrong
Then my living shall not be in vain

Alma Bazel Androzzo

James Ross Grace "Hoss" was born on September 6, 1923 in Cheraw, South Carolina to the late Jim and Louise Grace. He departed this life on August 26, 2018. As a member at Zion Memorial Baptist Church for 60 years, James served as an Usher, Superintendent of Sunday School and Chairman of the Trustee Board. James died a faithful member of First Baptist Church on Highland Ave.

A veteran of the United States Army, James worked at Western Electric for twenty years. He was also an award-winning brick mason and owner of Grace Masonry Construction Company, where he worked and helped both sons and grandsons polish their masonry and construction skills.

Daddy Grace set the gold standard for love, kindness, compassion and humility. He never met a stranger and throughout his lifetime helped and mentored countless individuals.

Preceding James in death are his daughter Cynthia Watson (Tommy); granddaughter, Rhea Singleton (Greg); and daughter-in-law, Phyllis Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of  74 years Willie Mae Byrd Grace; sisters, Betty Dillard and Julia Grace; children, James (Michelle), Ronald (Pamela), Jacqueline Burns (Rodney), Marilyn Moore, Michael (Simone), Anthony (Deborah), Gary, Traci Robinson (Lee), Tonya Barnes (Gary), Curtis Canty (Valerie), and Barrington Johnson; grandchildren, Twanna, Shannon, Curtis Jr., Shaun, Jacques, Brooke, Jay, Brian, Christopher, Julian, Alex, Brock, Jillian, Toni, Brandon, Michael, Taylor, Jamea, Barrington Johnson Jr.,  Leah and Evan. James also leaves behind twenty great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and a host of close friends and family.

A family visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at First Baptist Church - Highland Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Thursday, August 30, 2018 at First Baptist Church- Highland Avenue with Rev. Paul Robeson Ford officiating. Entombment will follow Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC.  The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Thursday at the Church.