James Wesley

WESLEY, Mr. James P. - Age 96, after a vibrant and full life, peacefully passed away in his sleep surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday, November 16, 2010. His loss will be immeasurable. Family hour 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 22, 2010 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing immediately at 11 a.m. Interment River Rest Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Monday. Mr. Wesley now lies in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Courage, faith and strength are all words that describe James “Red Horse” Wesley, a peaceful activist and leader for the Blind. Mr. James P. Wesley was born March 17, 1914 in Finleyville, Pennsylvania, the second of three children born to Lily Inge Wesley and James William Wesley. James married Oma Metcalfe on February 14, 1944 in Washington, D.C. in The Little Chapel on Howard University’s Campus. Awilda Lomax was her maid of honor. “Wes” as he was called by many, was a compassionate man who had a zest for life and whose greatest passion was spending time with his family, listening to Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Ray Charles. “Wes” was well known throughout his lifetime for his love of sports, music and good humor despite his blindness. He was a pillar of strength, and nurturer for his entire family. “Wes” was founder and past president of The Flint Blind Bowlers. He was inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame for his outstanding talents in baseball and bowling. “Wes” was a proud and loving father to Brenda Kimble of Rochester Hills, MI, Jimmy and devoted daughter-in-law Theresa Wesley of Flint; dearest granddad to Craig Kimble (Kim), Jaymes and Harold Wesley; three great grandchildren, Craig and Andre’ and Leilani Marie; friend to sisters-in-law, Awilda Lomax, Johnnie Metcalfe and Letha Metcalfe; dear cousin and lifelong friend, George Washington; he also leaves to cherish his memory many nieces, nephews and friends.

James Wesley

March 17, 1914 - November 16, 2010