Curtis James

Curtis R. James
Retired – Residential Construction

Matthews, GA  – Curtis Richard James, 79, loving husband of over sixty years to Margie Holley James, left this world and entered into his eternal home on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at The Place At Martinez Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Funeral services will be held at James Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00PM on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 with the Reverend Billy Duggan and Dr. James M. Ford officiating.  Interment will follow in the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery.
Born to the late Beulah Guy and Richard James, Curtis was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County.  Having to quit school at an early age, he helped his father farm and build houses.  He met his soulmate, the love of his life, when he was only 15 and was married at age 19.  He and his father built houses until his father’s untimely death in 1969 after which he partnered with Rabun Realty and later with his son, Edward.  He never took short cuts and built homes as if he would be the one living in them.  He conducted his business as he lived his life—honestly and with integrity.   After retiring, he worked with his son, Raymond, at James Cabinets and his son, Edward, at James Funeral Home.  Curtis was a faithful husband, a dedicated father, and a proud “Papa” and great-grandfather.  He was a member of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, where he faithfully served his Lord and Savior.  Even though he was an un-educated man, he was a smart man—a wise man; even though he was not a wealthy man, he was rich in the things that matter; even though he was a quiet man, he spoke volumes in his daily walk—he did not have to “talk the talk” because he “walked the walk”; even though he was not gregarious by nature, he loved people, giving of himself and his time.  He truly lived by the golden rule—doing unto others as you would have others do unto you.  Papa Curtis loved his family with all his heart but had to leave this earth to go home to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, who greeted him with “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome Home!”
Other survivors include three children, M. Darlene James-Bass (David), Edward C. James (Debbie), and Raymond K. James (Miriam); his brothers, John C. James (Lois), Augusta GA, and Ricky W. James (Tanya); a sister, Betty J. Sheppard (James); four grandsons, Nathan C. James (Carlee), Statesboro GA, Brandon P. James (Roseanne), Tyler E. James (Beth), and Blake M. James; a step-granddaughter, Cassidy Bass, Gray GA; one great-grandson, Colton B. James; numerous nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends. Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons.
Honorary memorials may be made to Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 563, Wrens GA  30833.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to his doctor, Dr. James M. Ford, the doctors and staff at Trinity Hospital, and the staff at The Place At Martinez.
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The Dash
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone—
From the beginning….to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his birth
And spoke of the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on earth,
And now only those who loved him know
What that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own—
The cars, the house, the cash—
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real,
And always try to understand  the
Way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?