Isach David James

On July 16, 1940, the late Reverend Leroy and Mrs. Daity Mae James welcomed their vivaciously spirited first born son, Isach David James, Jr., who ultimately changed their lives forever. He was born in Fort White, Florida. As the second child of three children, Isach was very precious, fun-loving, compassionate, and caring. Isach’s joy for life included entertaining family and friends with his many talents. Education was an important rearing factor in the James household. Isach was a proud student at Mebane High School in Alachua, Florida. During his high school years, Isach excelled academically and was in the marching band. He further extended his educational collegiate studies at Bethune Cookman College now University. During this time, was introduced to his soul mate, Dorothy J. Knight. The two dated for several years and their friendship was inseparable. While attending Bethune he was drafted into the armed forces to fight in Vietnam. Though their relationship was put on hold, Isach and Dorothy were eventually united on June 30, 1963. Their union yielded three beautiful children who were introduced as Irwin, Ian, and Iman. He devoted his life and efforts to being a provider and husband, willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. He worked several jobs in the Gainesville, Florida, area, as well as a small stint at the University of Florida. In search of a better career, Isach and Dorothy moved to Metro Atlanta, where he worked as a cook at Hartsfield Atlanta’s Airport. He went on to complete his education in Sociology at Georgia State University, which was very influential in his career path thereafter. He worked for Atlanta Gas Light for years, where he received his call to be more than just a worker. He worked with the local union to ratify contracts, and later became a UnionRepresentative. He was employed with the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union (RWDSU) / The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) for more than 28 years until retirement. He worked simultaneously as a National Guard Reservist until retirement after 28 years of service.If you knew him, you knew he had never met a stranger.He was well-loved and respected by many, serving as an influential mentor and icon to all that he encountered. He always seemed to have an encouraging word for everyone he came in contact with, young and old. With these aspects of his being, he was well revered within his faith based work and social organizations in his community. His passion for the Lord showed at his place of worship, East Lake United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Jesse Gordon. Many knew him as “David”; his friends and family often referred to him as always being busy doing God’s work. At East Lake UMC, he served as an active layman and on the United Methodist Church Council. He was a participant in choir and often led a stirring song or a spiritual. Everyone who knew Isach admired his leadership skills, which were often shown in his daily life through his shared stories about his upbringing, life, and grandchildren. When God created Isach, he gave him an artistry and love for grilling. He was known to grill all year long, rain, sleet, or snow. During the holiday season, he would always smoke a ham and a turkey for family or anyone who knew of his talent. He was known to not let anyone use his grillsor smokers. Grilling and smoking food was one of his greatest joys he shared with loved ones. He left this realm peacefully in his sleep. He was visited by many in support until his untimely departure on July 28, 2025. He will truly be missed by his children, family, and friends alike.There are so many who will cherish his infectious laughter and memories. He leaves his children, Rosemary Wallace (Alvin), Irwin James, Ian James (Towanda), and Iman Bennett (Kenny); grandchildren, Itifiquandia Alphabet, Ian James II, Itea James, Trine’ James, Justin Bennett, India James, Ethan Bennett, Maya Gamradt (Matthew), Hampton McClellan (Jacqueline), and Alvin Wallace, Jr., (Taylor); nine greatgrandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Jeremiah Knight (Gloria) and Pratt L. Tate, Sr; two sisters-in-law, Gloria Richardson and Vera Williams; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and close friends. Isach was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Leroy and Daity Mae James; wife, Dorothy James; sister, Apostle Dr. Elizabelle Tate; and brother, Edward James

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Isach David James

July 16, 1940 - July 28, 2025