James E. Demyers (Lansing)

Mr. James DeMyers on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, James beat cancer as he departed this life and ran to accept his new freedom in Christ, surrounded by his family members and friends at the age of 75 years old. He was born on March 27, 1947, in Wesson, Mississippi to the union of the late Lawrence DeMyers Jr. and Betty Clara Williams DeMyers. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church, Wesson, Mississippi. James was raised in Wesson and graduated from Eva Harris High School. Throughout his High School Career, James was involved in extracurricular activities such as basketball, football, and track. He also worked as a school bus driver for students during his last two years of High school.

In 1968, James was inducted into the Armed Forces of the United States. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1970.

James married Carrie in Lansing, Michigan and they have shared 54 years of marriage together. He joined Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan under the leadership of Reverend C. J. Patterson and continued serving under Reverend Dr. Melvin T. Jones until the present.

James retired from General Motors after 30 years and was employed at Michigan State University part-time for 20 years. Whenever James was given the chance, he would even help people get jobs at Michigan State University.

James loved working in the church. He aided the church by working in the Audio Ministry, the Trustee Ministry, attending/teaching Sunday School, and the Men's Bible Study. James was so dedicated to the Church that he would drive children to vacation bible school via church bus, coached for Unions Boys Basketball Team, aided in developing the teams’ uniforms, participated in the church's bowling, and sang in the Laymen's Choir.

He was an enthusiastic golfer (sometimes evangelizing on the golf course or afterward), bowling, working on cars, playing bid-whist, spades, chess, and dominos. James would also take his family and friends on road trips whenever he was given the chance.

James leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Reverend Carrie DeMyers; two daughters, Angela DeMyers Costen and Faith DeMyers of Lansing; one son, Richard (Joyce Wright) Wayne of Pensacola, Florida; five grandchildren, Deon Gladney II, Christopher Costen of Lansing, Michigan, Avey Wright, Carvin Wayne and RonDre Wayne of Pensacola, Florida; one brother, Luke DeMyers of Wesson, Mississippi; three sisters-in-law; Ozie DeMyers of Lansing, Michigan, Doris J. Austin of Jackson, Mississippi, and Rosetta N. Grace of Monroe, Louisiana; one brother-in-law: Pastor E.D. (Willie Ann) Clay of Lansing, Michigan; Godson, Phillip Smith; Godsisters, Lenora Watts Costa of Lansing, Michigan and Carrie Adams of Jackson, Michigan; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Special cousins, Charles (Cathy) Gray, Jerry (Jenette) Gray, and Michael Johnson.  Special brothers, Rev. Leon (Patricia) Adams, William (Juanita) Word, Greg (Sonya) Quinney, and Maurice Caradine and especially his Golfing Buddies.  Our special neighbors, Leonard Taylor, Grant Collins and Peggy Kiwala, and John and Pat Greenslit, who helped clear the driveway and sidewalks of snow during the winter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Mark DeMyers, Reverend Luther DeMyers, Timothy DeMyers, Sr., and Jimmy Dell Coleman; three sisters, Flora DeMyers Wash, Mildred Williams Clay, and Bonnie Williams; and one nephew, Luke DeMyers, Jr.