James Varick Mumford was born on Nov. 20, 1945, in Hamlet to the late Rev. James Preston Mumford and Bettie Juanita Ingram Mumford.
He was predeceased by his beloved siblings, Alvin Ingram, Myrtle Roberts, Jean Mumford and Thad Mumford; in addition to his godchildren, that he loved as his own, Andrea and Sakina Jackson, Susan Wilson and Robert Jackson.
He was a gifted, genuine soul. He studied and earned a degree from Durham Business College. His career for decades was in electronic repair; he enjoyed fixing anything that was broken; taking it apart, putting it back together and making it run like new. His chef skills were impeccable, he was a phenomenal artist, an avid music lover and collector, and his mind was one of a kind.
He could be funny at times, with his quick wit and sarcasm. He was endearingly stubborn, just as much as he was brilliant. He could build anything; he was crafty and resourceful. He loved to travel, near and far to fellowship and spend quality time with family. He also loved good blues, old school R&B and gospel music, in addition to a good card game where he often got called out for trying to cheat by his siblings.
He was a man of God and loved the Lord and instilled his faith in his children. He was a man of integrity and honor. He took the role of Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Cousin, seriously. He was always present, reliable and protective. Family was of the utmost importance to him, and he loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. If he could help you in any way, he would. He was a man you could depend and rely on.
He leaves behind his beloved children, Sheronda and Jonathan Melton, Lateefah Jackson and Varick Jackson; his treasured grandchildren, Diamond Myles, Shaquanah Jackson, Shampagne Gardner, Antoinette Wilson, Justin Wilson, Bryan Wilson and two great-grandchildren; his cherished siblings, Walter Mumford, Bennie & Sherry Mumford, Patricia and Edward Bauman, Josephine Mumford, and Betty Arnold. In addition, his lifelong friend and mother of his children, Sarah Gallimore, and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
A celebration of James’ life will be held at Wayman Chapel in Hamlet at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 with the Rev. Rebecca Warren officiating. A public viewing will be held from noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service.
Online condolences can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Mumford family.
~Acknowledgements~
The Mumford, Ingram and Jackson families graciously thank you for the outpouring of love, support, prayers, heartfelt sentiments and expressions of sympathy during this hour of bereavement. A special thank you to Wayman Chapel Church, Watson-King Funeral Home, and the talented saints, Frank Legrand and Callie Ellison who blessed us by song. May the most High cover and keep you all, forever and always. God bless you.
