James C. Poney

BORN: “…a time to be born…” Ecclesiastes 3:2a (NIV) James Charles Poney, son of the late Charles and Marie Poney, was born May 2, 1946 in Easton, Maryland. LOVE: “And over all these virtues put on love…” Colossians 3:14a (NIV) James was lovingly referred to as "J.C." or "Poney." Anyone who knew James would have recognized him as being humorous, kind, and devoted to his faith. He had a great desire to serve people. Giving freely of himself to others was something he did with great generosity. James’ love for God and serving others were evident in his actions. Prior to his illness, he would volunteer at Saint Vincent de Paul of Baltimore every Friday to feed those who were hungry. Additionally, he went to The Waxter Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and participated in events there. His favorite activity was encouraging others through conversation. James loved to travel. He was a member of a traveling club where he visited the Vatican City and other historical places in the world. EDUCATION: “Let the wise listen and add to their learning.” Proverbs 1:5 (NIV) James started his education at Glenwood Elementary and finished his early studies at Robert E. Morton High School in Easton, Maryland. His love of learning extended beyond his time in high school. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowie State College, a Bachelor of Arts in Music from New York University, Master of Arts in Education from Johns Hopkins University, and credits toward a Doctorate in Education Administration from Johns Hopkins. TEACHER: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;” Psalm 32:8 (NIV) James spent forty-five years as a teacher in the Baltimore City Public Schools. He shared amazing stories of his time at Frederick Douglass High School, Walbrook High School, and Cherry Hill Middle School. He worked in a variety of classroom settings. Students of all ages could be captivated by him. James taught at more than just public schools. He also enjoyed sharing the Bible with people. He instructed group and individual music lessons, Summer Bible Study groups, and the First Baptist Church Adult Sunday School Class. PASSIONATE MUSICIAN: “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Psalm 33:3 (NIV) James was a faithful member and minister of music of First Baptist Church for over 50 years. His work with the First Baptist Church Senior Choir and Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choirs revealed his immense and unwavering faith in God. He also oversaw the Three Generations Choir at Arlington & Lewin Methodist Church and the Sanctuary Choir at Wayland Baptist. The J.C. Poney Chorale, a musical ensemble made up of voices from five or more churches, was formed by J.C.'s unrestrained energy. James Charles Poney used his musical talent to glorify, exalt, and connect people to God. ASSOCIATIONS: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…” 1 John 1:7 (NIV) James belonged to the Music Therapy Foundation. He was an active member of the Hampton Minister's Conference Organist Directors Guild, the Baltimore Teacher's Union, the Bowie State College Alumni Association, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). TRANSITIONED: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:20 (NIV) God summoned James home at 1:30 a.m. on October 20, 2024. Even though we will sincerely miss him, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) CHERISHED LOVE ONES: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NIV) James leaves to cherish in his memory his cousins Rev. Darlene Mae Hayman Dixon, Ms. Charlotte Hayman, his childhood friend and sister in Christ Viola Celeste Moore, two godchildren Caryn L. Moore-Barham (Michael) and Ima Ekop, his best friends Andre T. Cooper Sr., and Bro. Aaron Bagley, Calvin Lambert, God Sister in Christ Rev. Joan Fields, First Baptist Church extended family and friends.

Tributes

James C. Poney

May 2, 1946 - October 20, 2024