Mr. James Lee Bolden

Mr. James Lee Bolden was born on December 3, 1920 in Pelham, Georgia to Mannie Bolden and Sarah Brison. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1942, serving as a truck driver in Belgium, France, and Germany during World War II. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Bessie Williams on March 13, 1944. After his tour of duty in the Army, he moved to Winter Park, Florida. He was a former member of the Church of God In Christ in Monticello, Florida. James joined Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in 1945, where he served as a Trustee for 42 years, Class Leader, Usher, and Choir Member. His love for music lead him to be a Pioneer Member of the Voices of Ward and he continued to praise God in the Male Chorus and numerous other choirs through song, until his health would not allow him to attend choir rehearsal. He played an active role in adding the Annex to Ward Chapel and installed the cornerstone in the front of the church. Mr. Bolden served the youth of the west side of Winter Park, Florida by initiating the first organized little league baseball team. He was the first PTA President of Webster Avenue Elementary School. James Bolden was a member of the booster club for Hungerford High School Marching Band. He was on the steering committee to establish the first swimming pool on the west side of Winter Park. Many hours of his free time were spent as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. His first job after moving to Winter Park was a janitor at Orlando Airport. The career he chose was a contractor for Clayton Realty, helping to build many homes, pools, and businesses throughout Central Florida. He also, mentored many young men by hiring and teaching them the construction trade. On Saturday, September 23, 2017 James Bolden was called home to be with the Lord. He is proceeded in death by mother, Sarah Brison, father, Mannie Bolden, son, Eddie Bolden, grandson, Willie James Bolden, Jr., brothers, Willie Harvey, Dave Stafford, Jimmie Denmark, and sister, MaeJetta Montgomery. He leaves to rejoice his homegoing, wife, Bessie W. Bolden, Maitland, Florida; children, Willie James Bolden, Sr. (Dianna), Greensboro, North Carolina; Betty Anderson, Maitland, Florida; John Bolden (Blanche), Windermere, Florida; grandchildren Garret Bolden (Yolanda), Winston Salem, North Carolina; Erika Walker (David), Stone Mountain, Georgia; Frederica Dennis (Jeffrey), Kernersville, North Carolina; Nicole Bolden, Columbia, South Carolina; Marcus Bolden (Jessica), Memphis, Tennessee; Karina Chandler (Tyrone), Missouri City, Texas; Eugene Anderson, Jr. (Tarris), Stafford, Texas; Brian Bolden (Sherrell), Little Rock, Arkansas; Derek Collier, Orlando, Florida; ex-daughter-in-law, Reginia Bolden, Eatonville, Florida; sister, Minnie Thomas, Titusville, Florida; brother, Billie DeSue (Betty), Titusville, Florida; fourteen great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Mr. James Lee Bolden

December 3, 1920 - September 23, 2017