James Edward Withers was born Nov. 23, 1949, to the union of Ruth Lucille Sowell and Francis Lee Withers in Lake Charles, La. He grew up most of his life in Mossville, La.
James accepted Christ at a young age and was a member and Deacon of Brownsville Church of God in Christ under the Rev. William Alexander on 18th Street in Lake Charles, La.
In 1976, James met his soulmate, Dianne Simien, at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. They married in 1979 and with this union welcomed a daughter, Kayla Ann Withers in 1982.
James entered his eternal rest on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. He was preceded in death by his son, Edward James Armstrong Sr.; mother and father, Ruth Lucille and Francis Lee Withers; sister, Margaret Jordan; niece, Leona Withers; nephew, Henry Lee Withers Jr.; and godchild, Marlon Rigmaiden.
His memories are to be cherished by his wife of 43 years, Dianne S. Withers; daughter, Kayla Withers; grandchildren, Edward Armstrong Jr., Triston Johnson, Derrious Withers, Ayden Withers, Eryanna Withers; and great-granddaughter, Khelani Johnson; brothers, Michael Withers, Henry Withers (Carrie), Walter Withers (Linda), Charles Withers (Joyce), Arthur Withers (Christina) and Clifton Withers (Cheryl); sisters, Gloria Daniels and Ruby Withers; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Fondel Memorial Church Chapel. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Burial will be at Perkins Cemetery, Westlake, La.