JAMES STUKES

The Rev. James Stukes was born on July 22, 1950, in Sumter, a son of the late Marcus and Emma Jane "Janie" Stukes. He departed his earthly life on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.

James was educated in the public schools of Sumter County, Central Carolina, and in El Paso, Texas, at Job Corps. He worked for many years at Campbell Soup Co. and Industrial Plant Exide Technology. He retired as a transit bus driver for Santee Wateree Regional Transit Authority. At an early age, he joined Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Manning, where he served in many capacities. He joined Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, Mayesville, in 2000, where he accepted his call to ministry and was ordained a preacher of the gospel.

Loving memories will be cherished by his wife of 49 years, Bobbie Jean Dingle Stukes; four children, Denise Michelle Lang of New Jersey, Michael Lorenzo Stukes (Deborah) and Marlon

Larnell Stukes, both of Sumter, and Sgt. Marcus Levar Stukes of Korea; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, his faithful twin John Stukes of Sumter and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Clarence Stukes of Columbia; three sisters, Eartha (the Rev. Daniel) McGhaney, Deloris Harper and the Rev. Sandra Simmons, all of Sumter; and a host of other relatives.

In additions to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Lee Stukes; a sister, Rudine "Mickey" Stukes.

Public viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. today.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, Sumter, with Pastor Daryl F. McGhaney officiating. Service attendance is limited to family and close friends.

Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Due to COVID-19, face masks must be worn during services and visitations.

Sumter Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.