James “Jim” Felmer Bryant Jr.
September 9, 1941 – September 12, 2016
James “Jim” Felmer Bryant Jr. was born September 9, 1941 to James Sr. and Roxie (Eure) Bryant in Suffolk, Virginia. He was the third of seven children, four brothers and two sisters. James always loved going to church as a young child. He joined and was baptized at the Pleasant Union Baptist church under Reverend McCrea. He attended the public school system graduating from east Suffolk High and attended Norfolk Virginia State College. While in high school, he played football all four years. He also played basketball. His love of sports led him to coach little league baseball in his spare time. He moved to Washington DC, where he worked at the Micro Biological Research as a lab technician. Because of his work ethic, he excelled as a long time employee. The company moved to San Diego, CA and James was given the opportunity to relocate to relocate. He was happy to move to Califor- nia, where he could visit the beach and spend warm winters. Shortly after his arrival in San Diego, Jim met Nola Love who introduced him to the Seventh–Day Adventist faith. He accepted Christ as his personal savior and joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Damon. He began Bible studies with Elder Lee Hughes along with James Robins and they were both actively involved in the New Believer’s class. After baptism, Jim and Nola’s friendship blossomed into love that led to their union in marriage on Au- gust 5, 1978. After becoming a member of the church, he became actively involved and served in several capacities such as usher, driver for church bus each Sabbath and for the Vacation Bible School, Deacon, Head Deacon, Sabbath School teacher, and Sabbath Scholl Superintendent for many years, Investment leader, Community Service, and Elder until his health began to fail. One of his greatest joys was singing with the male chorus under the direction of Michael McWilliams. He was affectionately known as “Daddy Jim” by many of the young people at the church. James touched the lives of many as he labored in God’s vineyard, and he continued to pray and work for the Lord until his health began to fail. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Roxie Bryant, two brothers, Dallas “Kaywood” and Elton Ray Bryant, sister Audrey Austin, and daughter Karen Love-Smith. On Monday morning, September 12, 2016, James was called from earthly labor to eternal rest. He leaves to celebrate his life, his loving and devoted wife, Nola Love-Bryant; Son James Bryant the III of Fort Walton, FL; Sisters: Shirley Jordan of Suffolk, VA; Brothers: Grady (Margie) Bryant of Suf- folk, VA; and Albert “Pete” (Lorine) Bryant of Fort Washington, MD, Sister-in-Law: Ella Chase of San Diego, CA; Granddaughters: Kendra Love and Katrina, Smith; Grandsons: Jayson Bryant of of La Vista, Nebraska and Kyle Smith of Berrien Springs, MI; Great grandchildren: Kimani, Kyrie and Kameron Dixon; Keyara Smith, Kylin Dillard, and a host of nieces, nephews, ,cousins, friends and love ones. Extended family; Margaret “Maggie”, (Craig) & Dominique Kirkwood, Delores Alexander, Michelle and Mia Alexander, Cindi (Ronald) Richardson, Julianna Madison, Nicole, (John Paul) Hardin Chung, Pastor Cleveland (Judith) Hobdy & Family. Services were held Friday, September 16, 2016 at New Hope Seventh-Day Adventist Church; interment at El Camino Cemetery. Final arrangements entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.
