James William Lesane

James William Lesane was born the eldest child March 12,1927 to the late Zonie Mae Lesane and late William Bill Washington and was released to the Lord March 19, 2023 at Veterans Affairs Nursing Center in Fayetteville, N.C. He is the husband of Rebecca Scott Lesane and shared a marriage of 46 years. James was previously married to the late Mary Ester Mc Queen, and they were blessed to bring to their union two children: Peggy Marie Lesane(deceased) and George Lesane. James attended Redstone Academy School in Lumberton, N C where he learned many skills that he used in his adult life. James played baseball as a short stop and played for the Lumberton Redsocks team. He drove for Attorney Billy Britt, worked at Rayless Department Store as a janitor and the Carolina Theater before moving to Godwin, NC. He worked at the Monument Shop in New Bern, NC making tombstones before moving back to Lumberton, NC in December 1945. James was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country in World War II in Germany until December 1946 and left the military in 1956 and then moved to New Jersey.

Time moved on, and in October 30, 1976 James united with Rebecca Scott in holy matrimony at Faith Chapel in Paterson, NJ and to this marriage came four children: Larry, Carol, Ronnie and Allison. In 1983, James and Rebecca returned to his hometown Lumberton, NC.  James also returned his life to Christ; originally worshipped with the Presbyterian church and later joined New Bethel Baptist Church which is now the Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. At this church, he enjoyed singing, attending Sunday school, and rendering prayer as he served as a Deacon. His favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm… The Lord is my Shepherd. Left to cherish the memories and love of James W. Lesane are Rebecca, his wife of forty six years; sons George Lesane; Larry Hickmon (Helen) of Teaneck, NJ; Ronnie Hickman (Diane) of Lumberton, NC; daughters Carol J Gayden (Tony) of Blythewood, SC; and Allison Campbell of Augusta, GA; brother John Lesane (Jessie); brother- in-law Woodrow Scott of New Jersey, sister- in-law Bertha Mae Scott Dixon of Marion, SC; nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. At 96, James was gifted by God with a blessed life of varied experiences filled with family love and support. He fought a good fight and has now achieved God’s greatest reward for being a good and faithful servant. He is truly missed and will never be forgotten as he rests in the arms of our Lord.                                                                                                                                                           

Funeral service will be Thursday March 23, 2023 11a.m., viewing and visitation March 22, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Lumberton, North Carolina.

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