James Angelo Tate, Sr. (Lansing)

James Angelo Tate, Sr. was born August 7, 1921 in Canton, Mississippi to the union of Ben and Pearl (Holly) Tate. On Friday, July 1, 2016 he transitioned from his earthly life to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mr. Tate accepted Christ at an early age and lived his life according to the principles of God. He grew up in an area surrounded by vast social limitations where segregated schools were the norm. His parents were devout Christians that provided him direction that assisted him in uncovering methods when there were no obvious paths to even obtain a high school diploma.
Two years after high school graduation he married Pearl Robinson (Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc.) and from that union a son, James Angelo, Jr. was born. During that time he held a variety of jobs that fell short in terms of supporting a family. World War II created defense jobs outside of the state of Mississippi and he moved to Detroit, Michigan where he gained employment at the Ford Motor Company. He helped to build the M4 Sherman Tank.
In 1944, he was drafted to the United States Army upon discharge in 1947 he returned to Jackson, Mississippi. He enrolled in a radio technician program at J.P. Campbell College and then decided to pursue a loftier goal a few months later and enrolled at Jackson College for Negro Teachers now known as Jackson State University. His Bachelor of Science degree was conferred in 1950 with honors as an elementary and secondary education dual major. Mr. Tate was the first male teacher to be appointed to an elementary classroom in the public school system. He was a sixth grade teacher, Assistant Principal, and Junior High boys basketball coach during his tenure. April 26, 1949 he became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. the Alpha Beta chapter, and later became a life member.
In 1955, Mr. Tate returned to Detroit, Michigan in order to expand his social and economic opportunities. After a two year tenure in Detroit Public Schools he was hired in Ferndale, Michigan. He enrolled at Wayne State University to pursue a Masters degree in Education. Again, new opportunities unfolded and he moved to Flint, Michigan and served as a sixth grade teacher and Assistant Principal. In 1969, he enrolled at Michigan State University in the College of Education in continual pursuit of his Masters degree. Upon the completion of his Masters of Arts degree, he sought employment at Michigan State University. Mr. Tates lifelong goal was to help others realize their dreams and not have to be hindered by the limitations that he faced. Michigan State University provided him a marvelous opportunity. In 1969, he applied and was appointed an admissions counselor. One year later he became an Associate Director. In 1971 he was admitted in to the Doctoral Program, the emphasis was higher education administration. After five years of employment at MSU, a panel of administrators selected him to coordinate an alternative admissions program, this program is now known as the College Achievement Admission Program (CAAP). The long awaited opportunity to make a significant impact had finally arrived. This position provided him with the opportunity to open doors for disadvantaged students at a major university, never seen before.
In 1970, he met Barbara Rouse and they were married in 1974. This union produced two daughters, Lisa DeShawn and Jayme Angela. This great love provided almost 42 years of marriage.
In 1984, he officially joined Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served on many auxiliaries. He was elected to the Board of Trustees (Emeritus), Personnel Committee, Finance Committee, Mens Usher Board, Bus Ministry, Mens Liturgical Dance Ministry, and Charter Member of the Sons of Allen. He took a special interest in repairing and replacing any and everything in the church that required special attention.
James Angelo Tate, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Barbara Michelle, and four generations including son James Angelo, Jr. (Velma) of Jackson, MS, Lisa DeShawn (Eligah) Jackson of Lansing, MI, and Jayme Angela (Larry, Jr.) King of Lansing, MI, eleven grandchildren; Chrystal Angela Tate-Bledsoe, James Angelo III (Vicky) Tate, Darryl Tate, Kimberly Tate, Lincoln James Tate, Taurean Angelo Jackson, Kendall Jackson, Austin Jackson, Courtney Michelle Holly Jackson, Larry King, III, and Kaylee Angela Michelle King, and many treasured great and great-great grandchildren. Additionally, is sisters-in-love, Dr. G. Gail Rouse, Ms. Maria Brewer and brother-in-love Rev. William (Caramel) Rouse, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Pearl (Holly) Tate, older brother Floyd Edward Tate, Sr., and sister Jeffrey (Holly) Waters.