Mr. James Lee French III

“For when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35)

On Friday, August 6, 2021, God reached out his hand and called his son, James Lee French, III home.

Deacon James Lee French, III (Bunny) was born on November 15, 1949 in Lumberton, NC to the late James Lee French, II and Josephine Ballard French.   He graduated from South Lumberton High School in Lumberton, NC.   James graduated from the Barbering Program at Bull City Barber College in Durham, NC. James Co- owned and retired from Southend Barber Shop. He also worked and retired from BB&T as a Printer and Mail Clerk for 35 years.

James accepted Christ at a young age at Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lumberton, NC.  During his tenure, he served in many roles such as a Junior Choir Director, Church Van Driver, Choir Member, Trustee, Deacon, and helped with the Men’s Ministry.  James also served as a faithful brother of the Masonic Golden Leaf Lodge #124.

James leaves to cherish his memories; daughters, Patrice Thompson of Greenville, NC and Danielle French of Charlotte, NC. Son, James Lee French IV of Charlotte, NC.  Two grand dogs: Chance and Nina Thompson of Greenville, NC; Sister: Phyllis Sinclair (Elton) Landover, MD; Sisters-in-law:  Shirlene Thompson of Fairmont, NC; Ann Tolbert (James) of Suitland, MD; Reverend Denise Thompson of Fairmont, NC. ; Cynthia French (Joseph) of Detroit, Michigan.  Brothers-in-law: Larry Thompson (Shirley) of Upper Marlboro, MD; Greg Thompson of Landover, Maryland. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

James was proceeded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Ethel French.  His parents: James and Josephine French Jr.  Mother and Father- in- law Titus and Annie Thompson; Brother: Joseph French; Brother-in-law: Neil Thompson. 

James was a loving, faithful, and devoted Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. He will be remembered as a man of God, for his integrity, kind and caring spirit, love for singing, never meeting a stranger, and passion for cooking.

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