James Valentine Sr.

Mr. James Valentine Sr. was born to Ms. Carrie Willis and Mr. Valentine on January 9, 1928. He was the oldest of 12 children.

James married the love of his life, Lillie Mae Watkins on February 2, 1947. To this union, 9 children were born. He moved to Chicago from Jonestown, MS.

James, “Killer Whale” as he was known, moved his family from Chicago to Benton Harbor in 1972 and untied with St. Mark Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Coleman Gray, Rev. John L. Price and presiding Pastor, Rev. Donald L Green Sr. Brother Valentine was a faithful Sunday School and church member until his heal began to fail.

After moving to Benton Harbor in 1972, James traveled up and down highway 94 to Chicago, where he worked at Domino Sugar Factory until he retired in 1981. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening and to let him tell it, he always caught the biggest fish, nabbed the 6-8 point Buck and grew the best smelling turnip greens from here to Mississippi. He loved sharing his garden with his family and friends.

James made his transitioned to Glory on Monday, November 12, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Mary Harris, Rosetta Valentine, Carol Kelley, Shirley Valentine, all of Benton Harbor and Leanna Spanks, Grand Rapids; son, Willie Valentine; sisters, Annie Sue Allen, Jonestown, MS, Ruby Jones, Cahokia, IL and Deloris Morgan, Milwaukee, WI; brother, LC (Katherine) Johnson, Lyon, MS; special friends, Robert Harris and Tre -Michael Wright; 29 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Lille Mae Valentine; parents; daughters, Mary Brown, Bobbie Thomas, Delores Valentine; son, James Valentine Jr.; grandchildren, Ronald and Patricia Green and De’Shon Valentine; 3 sisters; 4 brothers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Family Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.