James A Dunklin
Obituary

James A. Dunklin was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 26, 1942, to the late Almeta Alice and Johnnie Mack Dunklin. He was the fourth child of nine.  James accepted Christ at an early age and this awakened within him a hunger that forever shaped his life. After spending his childhood in Birmingham, the family migrated north and he graduated High School in Buffalo, New York.  In his youth, James loved to fish and play sports. He was fondly known by his middle name "Alvin". He loved his family dearly and was a father figure to his younger siblings.

James grew to be a serious man, hard-working, committed to right principles and the fair treatment of others, As such, in the 60s, he joined and marched with a prominent Civil Rights activist.  But, as the turbulent 60s gave way to the 70s, James’ life changed completely. While simply catching up with an old friend, on a visit back east, a bullet intended for someone else found him. At 29, he was left partly paralyzed, legally blind and with other ailments that plagued him for the rest of his life. Unable to further his career at Stouffer Foods, his new limitations came with a new job opportunity at the Society for the Blind. And it introduced him to his in-home service provider Jean. She encouraged him to study the Bible for hope. He accepted the offer and began to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. On July 25, 1975, with Jean looking on, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. And Jean never left his side. Thelma Jean became his wife.

The fine qualities that James cultivated prior to his accident shone even more brightly with age. He was gentle and kind, always looking to assist and encourage others, especially the aged and those disadvantaged in some way. He shared his faith with all that would listen, encouraging them to learn what had given him hope and build faith in the Bible. Despite his limitations, after moving to Los Angeles he served as an elder in the Budlong Congregation and subsequently in the Eagle Rock Congregation. The cumulative effects of his prolonged conditions eventually required that he receive 24-hour care. Even so, he persevered. As his health declined, he would often be heard humming Kingdom Songs or talking to Jehovah, even as he slept. James stopped humming on August 27th. On the 29th, he passed away peacefully in his sleep in Pasadena, California.

James leaves to cherish his memory his dear Wife Thelma Jean, his son Marvin Dunklin of Pittsburgh, PA, Stepdaughter Yolanda Roach, Stepsons Terrence Knight and Frank Knight III (Sheila), his Sisters, Barbara Parker (Samuel), Betty Diggs, Margaret Williams (Matthew Willmore Jr.), his Brother, Michael Dunklin (Olivia) of Peoria, Arizona; Grandson Christopher Roach, Granddaughters Chanel, Lauren and Sydney Knight, Nieces, Wanda McKinnie, Felita Norris, Erica Norris, Davina Perry (Richard) and Megan Williams, Nephews, Maurice Dunklin (Yalonda), Kenneth Dunklin, Eric Norris, and Sterling Dunklin (Desiree) of Peoria, Arizona and a host of loving cousins, great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.