Mr. Ruford Earl James

JAMES, Mr. Ruford Earl - Age 66, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Hurley Medical Center. Family Hour 10:00 AM Friday, September 29, 2023, at New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1035 E. Carpenter Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM, Pastor Alfred L. Harris Jr., officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:00 AM Friday. Mr. James will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Thursday. Mr. Ruford Earl James was born September 1, 1957 in Jackson, Mississippi, the son of Nathaniel and Amanda (Benson) James. Ruford was a resident of Mt. Morris, Michigan and a member of New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board, sang in the Men’s Choir and served on the Kitchen Committee. He attended Flint Beecher Community Schools until the 11th grade and transferred to Flint Northwestern High School for his senior year where he graduated. Ruford was employed by General Motors Corporation for 30 years until he retired. He was a member of UAW Local #599. Ruford was a part-time Farmer for over 30years. He planted a variety of crops, owned various farm animals and enjoyed being in the garden. Ruford also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his granddaughter, and visiting family in Mississippi. Mr. Ruford Earl James leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Diane James of Mt. Morris, MI; 2 daughters, Elizabeth James and Nina James, both of Burton, MI; son, Rafeal Deonte James of Flushing, MI; granddaughter, Braelyn Williams of Burton, MI; 5 sisters, Ida Hill of Kentucky, Gloria Jean Benson of Gaines, MI, Sheila James of Texas, Mary James of Flint and Sarah James of Texas; 2 brothers, Melvin (Mary Ann) James of Texas and Nathaniel James Jr. of Michigan; a host of nieces and nephews including special nephew, Melvin James Jr.; a host of other relatives and friends including special friends, the Wiley family, Jeffery Blount, Clarence Wheeler; a host of farmer friends, the Beecher Community and the Mississippi family. Mr. James was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Amanda James; grandparents, Floyd James and Elizabeth James, Mack Arthur Benson and Sarah Benson; niece, Leishei Holly; and nephew, Nathaniel James. The family would like to express special thanks to Hurley Medical Center nurses on the CCU floor, New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church family, and all the family and friends for their support

Mr. Ruford Earl James

September 1, 1957 - September 20, 2023