James A. Pearson

This has been a tremendous loss to our family and friends. On December 10, 2016 our beloved husband, father,grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend …was lead home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “There were only two people born in the stable and I was one of them” – James Pearson James Pearson… was born in a barn in Littleton, North Carolina to parents the late Osborne and Helen Pearson. He was a proud graduate of Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland in 1947. He matriculated to Northfolk State University and Morgan State College, where he majored in Art Education. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army. In 1951, Jimmy entered the airborne division and became certified in leadership and Basic Military training. THE LOVE STORY…In 1947, Jimmy attended the St. Frances Xavier CYO dance and his life changed forever as he met the beautiful, Evangeline Davage. In 1950, Jimmy was deployed all over the country but his ‘Evangeline waited for his return! They married on June 15, 1952 at St. Frances Xavier church and continued their honorable union for 64 years. THE FOUR LITTLE INDIANS….From this union, Avis, Beryl, Jock, and Donn were all birthed in Provident hospital and graced our ever so loved Hilton Street. On Sunday mornings, after church, Jimmy was not only their father but also their ever-faithful art instructor and esteemed basketball coach. He loved his children and wife dearly and was a gentle man who raised them to take education seriously, help others, be compassionate, and love one another. IT’S A FAMILY THING… Jimmy was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred Johnson and grand daughter, Jewel Christina. Jimmy leaves memories of his life and accomplishments with his wife, four children, six grandchildren, Martia (Jamaal), Tylisha, Van, Korelle (Brandon), Rashard, and D.A (Whitney). Ten great grandchildren, Se’daysia, Blake, Keyon, Taijah, Kenya, Christian, Sebastian, Jaiden, Madisyn, and Kamil ,God Children, David, Tasya, and Mervyn, , nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. FOR THE LOVE OF SERVICE….To those who loved Jimmy, knows that he was an all around people’s person. To many he was friend, coach, father- figure, teacher, photography instructor, fisherman, camper, and server in the community. Jimmy was a faithful member of St Edward Roman Catholic Church. THE JOURNEY….After leaving the military, he was employed by the Baltimore Transit Company for eight years, where he drove the old- time trolleys in the evening to finance his education at Morgan State College. At Morgan, he earned a bachelors of Arts Degree. He went on to teach Art Education and to coach at Calverton Junior High and Southwestern High School. He was one of the first blacks to attend Towson University to become a Driver’s education instructor. HE’S GOT GAME……Jimmy was dedicated to the youth. He taught basketball in many arenas and influenced hundreds of youth in the Baltimore City area including St. Edward Catholic Church for over 30 years, where his teams received numerous trophies and won championships. Jimmy belonged to many religious and outreach organizations including Holy Name Union, St. Edward Holy Name Society, Knights of Peter Claver, Beta Sigma Tau fraternity, the acclaimed High-Steppers, and member of the Waxter Center. Man can not live by bread alone, but it sure does help….Years ago, in answer to the need for nourishment in the Popular grove Community, Jimmy’s best friend Ed Henry began a food ministry. They gathered food from the various groceries stores and distributed to neighbors and families in need. When Jimmy lost his good friend, Ed Henry, he and the Knights of Peter Claver took the lead and continued that essential service. STEP, STEP, SIDE TO SIDE…..We just could not end this written tribute to Jimmy without highlighting his love for dancing He was a high-stepping, line- dancing, take- over -your -party with his mic. and personal music, dance teacher and machine. He led his family, friends, and mentees through life with that counting snap of his fingers, that soft smile, and unforgettable gentle spirit. His wife and we will miss him so very much! Dance on jimmy!

Tributes

James A. Pearson

August 17, 1928 - December 10, 2016