Wesley James

Wesley James, 76, entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Community Hospice Bailey Center for Caring. He was born August 10, 1946, in Lake City, Florida to David James and Lillie Williams James. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, John and Elizabeth McMillon. He was also preceded in death by his brothers David, Amos, Ernest, and John James, and sisters Alice Lee, Caroline King, and Rosemary Griffin. Wesley was raised by his grandparents in Bakersville, Florida. He was educated in the public schools of St. Johns County. During his youth, he worked at Duncan Beach Farms. He drove farm tractors from an early age to adulthood. During those years on the farm, he was commonly known as “Cuda”. He was baptized and became a member at Macedonia Baptist Church in Bakersville. He later became a member of Greater St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, St. Augustine, FL. Early in life, he married Shirley Pierce, his former wife, and to this union, two children were born, Wesley Maurice James and Kimberly James. He initiated his training as a truck driver by attending the American Training Center for Truck Drivers in Tennessee. In September of 1974, his career began with Tree of Life Company when it was a small organic retail store in St. Augustine. He retired in 2011 with 37 years of service from Tree of Life, currently known as KeHE Distributors. He was awarded for his efforts, enthusiasm, and loyalty which contributed to the success and early growth of the company. During the early 1990s, he became the sole proprietor of James Tractor Works, LLC. He developed his small business in his spare time and provided services such as tractor mowing and clearing, grading, hauling, fill dirt, culvert installation, and other tractor services. His affiliations included the CB Club, The Christian Men’s Ministry, and Masonic Knights Lodge #7 serving a tenure as Worshipful Master. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Glennie Haile James; son, Wesley M. James (Catrina), Palatka, FL; daughter, Kimberly James, Charleston, SC; stepson, Dwayne Mack (Crystal) Jacksonville, FL and stepdaughter, Yolanda Mack, St. Augustine, FL; brother, Dennis James (Rayna), Jacksonville, FL; sisters, Jacqueline Rentz and Annie Spivey, Eatonville, FL; brother-in-laws, Charles Haile, Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Richard Haile, M.D., (Geraldine), Kansas City, MO; Vincent Haile (Tiana), Frederick, MD, and Alfred King, Jr., Pensacola, FL; sister-in-law, Shirley James, Douglasville, GA; grandchildren, Candyce Rosson (Tyrone), Wesley James III (Dorixa), and Rontrae James (Quanesha); Step-grandchildren, Angenika Mack, Shannon Mack, Sedrick Rivers, Jr., Sherrod Rivers, Devonte Rivers, Dwayne Mack, Jr., Tremayne Mack, Deonya Mack, Deasha Mack, Jasmine Mack, Jaedan Mack, Cailyn Mack, Damien Mack; a host of great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; Enduring Friends, David Usina & Family, Terrance Smith, John Sanchez, and John Lyons; loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, April 21, 2023 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at New St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, 69 Washington Street, St. Augustine with Rev. Byron Hodges officiating. Interment will follow at Craig Memorial Park. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Wesley James

August 10, 1946 - April 13, 2023