Charles Edward James

Charles’s Legacy Charles Edward James, a loving and giving spirit, journeyed suddenly to his heavenly home at the age of eighty-four (84) unexpectedly on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Tidal Health Hospital in Salisbury, Maryland. Charles was born on January 11, 1939 in Princess Anne, Maryland to the late Virginia James Hitch and Douglas Maddox. Charles was his Mother’s Eldest Son and the protector of his younger siblings. He often reminisced about the cherished moments spent with his Grandfather, Leonard James, Sr. and memorable conversations that shaped him into being a man who loved his family deeply. Charles often shared the responsibilities that he had to take on of his younger brother, Howard, in school and also being the oldest son of a midwife added to his chores. He was educated in the public schools of Somerset County. While in attendance at Somerset High School, Charles was elected as a class officer and served as a Vice President. He also became active on the track team and other sports of his choice; he also enjoyed singing and dancing. One notable story that he shared was his experience as a teenager growing up in the Rock and Roll era and being able to imitate Elvis Presley. Charles was quite popular among his peers and was well-liked by everyone who knew him from childhood through his final years of life. After graduating from high school in 1958, Charles matriculated into the Bowie State Teachers College, after choosing to work for a while to gain life experience before going to college. Charles made his home on the Western Shore of Maryland for more than thirty years and became a longtime resident of Washington, D.C., prior to moving to Oxon Hill, Maryland. He received his Bachelor’s degree in 1964 with a specialization in Special Education. Charles had a strong desire to help children with learning disabilities and was determined to help them achieve academically. He was well-respected as a teacher and was recognized for his many contributions to the students’ lives he influenced during his thirty-year tenure and throughout his career in Prince George’s County School District. Charles also became an Assistant Basketball Coach while employed at Parkdale High School and he had a great passion for the sport. He also enjoyed mentoring and motivating every student he encountered. Charles made several sacrifices without complaint as he chose to leave the Western Shore and move to the Eastern Shore in 2004. He did this out of love for two of his aunts, Mary and Hazel, as a dedicated nephew who became their caretaker until their end of lives. Charles also became a devoted brother for Howard and provided whatever was necessary to ensure that his final days were comfortable. In his latter years, Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and started attending New Hope Baptist Church in Salisbury, Maryland until his health declined. Charles had his Bible within an easy reach, next to his bed, where it still remains after his passing. He had written several notes about his thoughts on spiritual and inspirational songs and a few Scriptures that he liked, especially “The Lord’s Prayer.” Preceding him in death were: his mother, Virginia Mae James-Hitch; his father, Douglas Maddox; his beloved grandfather, Leonard James, Sr.; grandmother, Addie; three aunts, Oretta, Mary, and Hazel; four uncles, Elwood, Harlan, Samuel, Sr. and Leonard, Jr. Brother, Howard James; step-brother, Roland Jones, and several cousins. Charles leaves to cherish his memory: his sister, Reverend Dr. Joni Kindell; one step-sister, Barbara Miles (Oscar) one niece; a great niece and great-grandnephew; special cousins, Mary Davis, Ida Bunch, Joann Doane, Tonya Doane, Samuel James, Jr. (Donna), Samuel Caleb, James III, and Woodland James; his best friend, Robert Jackson; a few other friends he enjoyed chatting with on his cell phone, Phyllis Brookins, Robert Hawkins, Joe Sutton, Oleana Smith and Lola Mills and a host of other relatives and friends. Our hearts are heavy and there are no words to express how much we are feeling the loss of your passing away from us so quickly without warning, but we are comforted knowing that you are in the presence of God.

Charles Edward James

January 11, 1939 - June 11, 2023