
Harry S. James, Jr., 93 born December 7, 1923 in Weeksville died Monday, April 10, 2017 at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center. He was the son of the late Harry S. James, Sr. and Vertley Trueblood James. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a member of Salem Baptist Church. Harry served his country in World War II in the Pacific Theater, and then as a drill instructor. He was a Purple Heart recipient. After the war, Harry returned to North Carolina to farm his Daddy’s land and marry his sweetheart Lela Cartwright, to whom he was a devoted husband for 68 years. Harry and Lela enjoyed dancing at the VFW where he was a faithful member. They also enjoyed visiting with friends and family in North Carolina and in Winter Haven, Florida where Harry was a member of the American Legion. Even as they grew older and their health began to fail, they never wanted to be too far from each other.
In addition to his wife, Lela, he is survived by two daughters, Diane Barclift and Connie Thornley and husband, Frankie all of Elizabeth City; a sister, Frances James Meads and husband Fred of Elizabeth City; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; and a cousin, Alma Cartwright. He was predeceased by, two brothers, Norman Cecil James and Aubrey Lee James and two sisters, Marjorie James Bright and Delores James Sawyer.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Twiford Memorial Chapel officiated by Rev. Jim Richland and with military honors provided by the William Clarence Jackson Post # 6060. Burial will be in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the lobby of the funeral home following the service and at all other times at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Frankie Thornley, 1190 Folley Road, Elizabeth City. Flowers are welcome however family suggest donations be made to the VFW Post #6060 Honor Guard, 1433 North Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. Twiford Funeral Home, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the James family. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com.
Contact Information:
Twiford Funeral Home (Elizabeth City)
405 East Church Street
Fax: 252-335-4329
Email: J.J.Twiford@TwifordFH.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Harry S. James, Jr.

Ronald Williams
Connie and Diane and Leta Maude so sorry for you loss. You are in our Prayers.
Because of Christ,
Ronnie and Clair
Joe and Wanda Forbes
Connie, so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Bessie Reid Ward
Connie & Diane, Your Mom & Family.
So very sorry ! I prayed he’d pull through like always. They had a beautiful life together.
My thought’s & prayer’s are with yà’ll .
Sincerely,
Bessie
Marshall and Jean Rogerson
Lela Maude, Diane and Connie,
We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you on our prayers during this most difficult time.
Marshall and Jean Rogerson
Jim Hurdle@Judy
James family: Mr James was one of my father’s and families friends. He was such a great influence to me a s a young man years ago. He will be missed by many but he is in a place where there is no pain or suffering. He will be waiting for us on the other side.
Danna and Darren Saunders
Ms. Diane, Russell, Bonita and families,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Hope you remember the many good times with a smile.
Danna and Darren
Laurie Brickham
Connie,
My prayers of comfort for your family
Mary Frances Williamson
Dear ones,
I just learned of Harry Jr.’s passing. Oh what wonderful memories I have growing up with Harry Jr. , Lela Maude, Dianne, and Connie as next door neighbors in Weeksville. And of course there was Frances James along with the rest of her brothers and sisters. Frances was (Harry Jr’s sister few houses down the road… )
I don’t know of another woman that lit up a room like Lela Maude, and then there was oh so quite, Harry Jr. by her side just smiling. They were such a cute couple…
Sending you all love and hugs,
MaryFrances Eves Williamson
Larry Palmbach
My condolence to the entire family. We all lost a great man and friend. He now resides with all his lost friends in heaven. I will always remember all the great times with him in NC and Florida.
Ann and Allan McPherson
Aunt Lela, Connie and Diane,
Our hearts are with you during this time. We can take solace in the fact that he is at peace and once again with those other family members that have gone before him. I’m sure he, granddaddy, and daddy are having a sit down farming talk, as they often did. Would love to see them all !! Someday we’ll all be having one of our ice cream socials with mama, Deloris and Frances pound cakes. YUM !! Until then, my dear friend, know that we are lifting you up in prayer as you continue to comfort one another.
God’s Blessings
Charles and Faye Gray
Connie and family, please know that we are thinking of you often.
Terry Marie Whitman
Rest In Peace in God’s loving arms, Harry.
You will be so very missed!
Thinking of you all with prayers and knowing that God’s Grace surrounds each of you in the difficult days ahead.
Love you all dearly-
Wendy, Bryan, Will, & Wes Overton
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John & Teresa Huie
We are sorry for the loss of Mr. James & thank him for his service to our country. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Jack and Vicky Leary
To the family of Harry S James Jr.
He was a Hero to our Country and his Family and I’m pretty sure he taught Connie how to dance. Vicky and myself had a lot of thoughts. Just know our prayers are with you all. Sorry to hear the news but we know he’s headed Home.
Sherry Gaskins
Connie,
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Sherry Gaskins
Al and Joyce Barclift
Connie, Diane and extended family,
We were sorry to hear about your daddy’s passing. He most definitely was a hero serving our country in the armed services. We send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you all. May God place his hand on you and grant you peace and comfort in the coming weeks as only HE can do.
Love and prayers!
Andy & Fran Bright
Connie, Aunt Lela & Diane,
Our prayers for weeks have been with you and Uncle HarryJr. I especially had hoped after I got him to take nourishment that last night in the hospital that he would continue to improve when he was leaving and have that time with his Lela at the home you had arranged for them back in EC; but I guess the good Lord had other plans for him. He is there where he can rest and have a reunion with many others that we all miss also. I wish comfort and peace in your hearts for the days ahead. He will be truly missed. Love that Marine Uncle.
Catherine Eason Gardner
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.