James Embry, Jr. (Lansing)

Mr. James Robert Embry, Jr. was born on May 14, 1949, in Talladega, Alabama, to James Robert Sr. And Rosie Lee Embry. James was the eldest of 12 children.

His parents moved the family from Alabama to Lansing, Michigan, where he attended public school. James graduated from JW Sexton. He eventually became gainfully employed by General Motors Fisher Body Division. While working at Fisher Body James also worked for his father’s business, painting houses. Some years later he transferred to Diamond Reo and Motor Wheel where he worked until their closing. He then pursued a job with the State of Michigan, working at the Lewis Cass building; where he worked for over 25 years until he retired.

James was a people person. He enjoyed conversation and at times had a candid sense of humor. He was a naturally funny person. Most of his enjoyment came from spending time with his children and his family, especially during the holiday seasons where there was lots of food that was prepared. His favorite moments were when he had a new grandchild add to the family. After retirement he had time to watch his favorite programs on television, he enjoyed cowboy movies, wrestling, track and field, boxing, and many other sports. James also loved the History channel. He always had a passion for singing and listening to gospel music, as well as music from the 60’s and 70’s soul music.

Our heavenly father called our beloved James home on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

James leaves to cherish his memory 10 children, Tanya Renee Jackson of Lansing, Teon Maurice Embry of Lansing, Tasha Nicole Embry of Lansing, Terrel Lee Embry of Lansing, Tyrone Shoedale (Tamisha) Pugh-Embry of Ann Arbor, Michael Anthony Embry of Detroit, James DeShawn Morvac-Embry of Lansing, Letitia Nicole Embry of Lansing, Dmitri Allen Embry of Lansing, Tarence Dwayne (Elizabeth) Embry of Lansing; 24 grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, David and Peggy Embry, Willie Mae (O'Neal) Carter, Rosemary Embry-Robinson, Dennis Embry Stanley (Shaunda-Quinney) Embry, Linda Joiner Douglas Embry, Ronald Embry, Emily (Samuel) Childres; aunts and uncles, Ulysses (Bernice) Embry of Lansing, Mary Davis of Albion, Janet Square of Albion, Louise Franklin of Detroit, and Gladys Embry of Lansing, many nieces and nephews and other family and friends, including honorable friends Ronald and Sophie Flowers, Shawn Sproul, Mary Alexander, and Wanda Robert

He was preceded in death by his father James Robert Embry, Sr; mother, Rosie Lee Embry; brother, Perry Lee Embry; and sister, Katherine Benson