Elder Freddie Lee James

Elder Freddie Lee James was born on June 11, 1946 to Mildred James and Joseph Cole in Haywood County Tennessee.  After a courageous fight,  Elder James passed on Monday, November 14, 2022. Through all of the trials and tribulations, he remained strong in the faith. He loved the Lord and his church. Even at his weakest state, he sang praises and worshipped God.

In 1963, he graduated with high honors, Valedictorian, from Central High School in Alamo, Tennessee. He attended Tennessee State University.

Elder James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Worthan Chapel Baptist Church. He later united with St. Luke Church of God in Christ in Bells, Tennessee. After moving to Nashville, Elder James became a charter member of the Pentecostal Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, and remained a faithful servant until God called him home.

Over the years, Elder James served in many capacities. He faithfully served as chaplin at both the men’s and women’s prison. He ministered to and provided support to church members and others to who needed to know about God’s grace and mercy. He fed college students and gave them guidance and hope. He often provided a home-cooked meal to hungry college students.

Elder James retired from the Metro Nashville School System.

Elder James is survived by three brothers:  Benson (Olivia) James, Benton Harbor, Michigan; William( Angela) Cole, Jackson, Tennessee; and Murlyn(Joyce) Cole, Dyersburg, Tennessee. Sisters: Jinette (Ilandis) Smith, Bells, Tennessee; Alma Cole, Dyersburg, Tennessee; Fannie Cole, Decatur Illinois; Calvin Cole, Josephine Cole-Caldwell and Lurlia Jo Cole -Arrington, all from Detroit, Michigan.

Elder Freddie Lee James was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred James-Cole; father, Joseph Cole; Stepfather, Johnny Cole; brothers: Elisha Cole, John M. Cole, James A. Cole, and Jeffery James.