Deacon James William Sturdivant, Sr. was born in Greensboro, NC to Odessa Wray on October 25, 1946.

James graduated form James B. Dudley High School in 1965.  After graduation he moved to Connecticut where he worked making rifles for the Army.  After several years, he returned to Winston-Salem, NC where he worked for Tyco Electronics, retiring after 22 years of service.

James enjoyed being a Deacon at Antioch Baptist Church for many years.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren.  In his spare time, he would volunteer at the food bank.

James passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2024.

Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnn P. Sturdivant of 44 years; sons, James Owens, Brian Owens, Marcus Hampton, Cory Sturdivant, Daron James, Tony Muhammad, and Eric James; 25 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brothers, Larry Wray, Michael Wray, and Reginald Sturdivant; sisters, Gloria Wray and Vanessa Sturdivant; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, October 11, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Antioch Baptist Church with Reverend Frederick Barnes officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Saturday at the Church.