James Russell Jeter Sr.

A Time to be Born: James R. Jeter began his earthly life on November 17, 1942 in Union, South Carolina to the late Mary and Milton Jeter. James was the oldest of four children. A Time to Live: He moved to the District of Columbia area at a very young age, where he attended DC Public Schools. James was an outstanding athlete, lettering in football, baseball and softball while attending Eastern High School and graduated in 1959. After graduation James worked for Woodward & Lothrop department store, the National Institute of Health and Viggie’s Liquor Store, which would prove to be an important pit stop along the way. He was an extremely hard-working man determined to succeed. James eventually accepted a position with the Government Printing Office where he quickly rose through the ranks and became a Foreman of the Press Division. After more than 30 years of government service and numerous accolades and awards, James retired in June 1995. In September 1967, James married Marie C. Johnson and became a role model to her children and a great father to her youngest son Rodney. Together they had one son, James Jr. Their happy union ended with his wife’s untimely death on June 6, 1981. James was an avid bowler and won many trophies. He enjoyed reading, Cowboy Westerns and to let him tell it, he was the “BEST” Bid Whist Player in town. He took delight in watching all sports and was a “die-hard” Redskins fan. He was a direct man. Those who knew him well knew he definitely spoke his mind, but at the end of the day, he had your back. A Time to Serve: He accepted Christ at a very young age. During the 1990’s he joined Mount Calvary AME Church and served on several ministries. He even lent his voice to the choir singing a solo, James attended services until his health failed and he was homebound. Incapacitated by ill-health, he never lost his faith and truly loved the Lord. His two favorite hymns were “How I Got Over” and “Rough Side of the Mountain”. A Time to Rest: On Sunday, November 27, 2016 while at Delaware Hospice, after a very long illness, James was called home to meet our Heavenly Father. A Time to Mourn: James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 27 years, Jacqueline L. Jeter, Harold Jeter (brother), and Vincent Jeffries (step-son). He leaves to cherish his memories son James Jeter, Jr., seven stepchildren; Rodney (Garcia) Hawkins, Craig and Gail Middleton, Stephen Brown, Martin and Deborah Jeffries, and Valerie Lester, daughters-in-law; Denitra Hawkins and Juanita Middleton, grandchildren; Natasha and Dominique Hawkins, Chase, Christopher, Corey and Courtney Middleton, Tyree and Sirena Williams, and Aaron and Monique Brown; two brothers, Mack and Johnny Jeter; three sisters-in-law, Alice Nelson, Ellen Grant and Margaret Williams, brother-in-law, Mark Williams, special friends John Dowd, Darryl and Cindy Diggs, Gilbert (Dickie) Williams, and a host of other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Russell Jeter Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

James Russell Jeter Sr.

November 17, 1942 - November 27, 2016