Carl James

Carl Alfred James departed his life on November 26, 2019, a veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm. He was the second born son of Ruth James Martin and Arthur Grant. Carl, who most everyone called "Al", was a wonderful kind person, who always encouraged and helped his fellow man. Al was an intelligent man. Al believed in the power of obtaining an education. Al graduated from Sumter High School in 1975. He earned several college degrees from the following colleges: Community College of the Air Force, The University of South Carolina, Central Carolina College, and Saint Leo College. Al also received his degree as a Quality Engineer. Al worked for Westinghouse/Eaton Corporation for thirty-two years. He was also a proud member of the United States Air Force for five years and served in the South Carolina Air National Guard for twenty years until his retirement. Al enjoyed working out at the YMCA, reading, fishing, playing chess, and loved football and basketball. He would always support his alma mater the South Carolina Gamecocks. He leaves behind to mourn his passing his wife of thirty-eight years, Doreen E. James, two sons, Terrance (Lisa) Baker and Carl Brandon James, and two grandchildren, Isaiah and Charm Hallingquest. Al is survived by four sisters, Eva Green, Delores (Albert) Robinson, Lorie (Joseph) Parker, and Wanda (Chris) Martin; five brothers, Sherman (Ada) James, Larry Grant, Timothy (Tamika) Grant, Melvin (Meana) Sanders, and Marion (Thyma) Sanders; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Both of Al’s parents and one brother, Granderson Odell James, preceeded him in death. A viewing will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, followed by a service that will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 12:00 pm at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home. He will be interred at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, South Carolina. Pallbearers and Floral Bearers will be family members. Donations may be sent to the American Heart Association. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.