Eddie James Iii (Lansing)

On June 15, 2015, Eddie James III, affectionately known as Bam or Big Ed was called to his Heavenly Fathers kingdom. Eddie resided in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan until the time of his home going where he spent his final days Petoskey, Michigan with his immediate family by his side; his wife, two sons, daughter, sister, mother, aunts, uncle, cousins and close friends.
Eddie James III was born on July 29, 1964 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Eddie James Jr. and surviving mother, Barbara Sturdivant-James. Eddie had a heart of gold. He loved to help others. His grandeur personality and love of life helped form his lifelong friendships while attending Woodcreek Elementary School. The Southside family remains solid to this day.
Big Ed attended Dwight Rich Junior High School and Harry Hill High School. He then transferred over to J.W. Sexton High School for his senior year. While attending Sexton High School, he played football as a defensive and offensive tackle and was a 1982 graduate. He received a football scholarship to attend Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1983, he suffered an ankle injury and returned to Lansing, Michigan where he attended Lansing Community College and achieved his degree in Liberal Studies in 2000. In 2014, Eddie also earned his B.A. in Multimedia Design and Development from DeVry University.
In 1986 Eddie James III went out for a glass of water at a local Hangout in Lansing, Michigan. It was there he met who was soon to be his wife forever and always, Dawn L. James. Together they lived and worked in Lansing, Michigan bringing into the world two sons, Eddie and Joshua whom of which he was very proud of. In 2002 Eddie and his family relocated to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan where he spent most of his days working, playing pool with friends and bringing a smile to everyones faces wherever he went.
Eddie James III was an avid sports fan who supported his Michigan State Spartans and Detroit Lions with unwavering faith and undying loyalty. Bam had many hobbies including the love of reading books, photography and of course playing Madden NFL with his buddies. He had a gift6 of capturing nature at its best thru his camera lens and more importantly seeing the beauty in everything. Eddie James III believed in treating others as you yourself would like to be treated, which is why he gained the trust, love and respect of so many family members and friends. Eddie was very passionate about every new venture and had a very entrepreneurial spirit. Eddie James III loved God and he was a devoted Baptist Christian who believed and trusted in the Lord.
Among the many achievements in his life he was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved and adored his mother, Barbara Sturdivant-James, his father, Eddie James Jr. and sister, Bridget R. James.
Childhood Stories
Jacaro Vaughn (childhood friend): I remember witnessing Eddie and James Couthen having numerous cut up sessions. One time in particular, Eddies father bought James C. a blue winter coat with the Motor Wheel stitched on the front. James C. loved that coat! He wore it every day until it had sweat stains in the armpits. Eddie teased him repeatedly about it and gave him another nickname dubbed Motor Wheel.
James Couthen (childhood friend): I remember when I was 13 years old. I was visiting Bid Ed at his House and just finished using their bathroom. Eds father walked passed the open bathroom door and yelled, whos been in that bathroom? Bam quickly replied, James!. Then Mr. James said, Open that window!
Bam leaves to mourn his loving wife, Dawn L. James of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; two sons, Eddie James IV and Joshua C. James both of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; one daughter, Dominique Garrett of Kalamazoo, Michigan; mother, Barbara Sturdivant-James of Austin, Texas; sister, Bridget R. James (Michael Fields) of Austin, Texas; six grandchildren, Benjamin, Jordan C. Joniya, Jaylen, Jordan and Isaiah; two nephews, Christopher and little Michael; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and great friends who will always be touched by his kind heartedness, his warm inviting personality and his authentic generosity.
Funeral Service: Saturday, June 20, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
Tabernacle of David Worship Center Church
2645 West Holmes Rd.
Lansing, Michigan 48911
Pastor Larry Trice, Host Pastor
Pastor Tracy Edmonds, Eulogist