James Singleton

James Singleton was born on December 25, 1939 in Sumter, SC to the late James (Buster) and Evelina Singleton.

James (affectionately known as Jimmy) formal education began in Sumter, SC, where he attended Ebenezer Elementary School.  Upon moving to New Jersey he became a student at Montgomery Street School and went on to complete his education at Central High School.  Jimmy was a stand-out star swimmer at Central High with a stellar record still in effect. 

As an adult Jimmy went to Barber/Beauty School and became a prestigious hair stylist for over 35 years in the City of Newark, after which time he was blessed with the position of longshoreman out of Local 1233 at the Port Newark/Elizabeth Sea Port and retired from that position in 2009.

At one point in his life Jimmy was a member of the Mandingo Men who were models and set a precedence for style in the Newark area.

Jimmy enjoyed gardening, home decorating, and was an avid fisherman.  He later became a member and part of the men’s choir and trustee at Beth Page Presbyterian Church, after which he became a member here at Oak Grove “The Grove” Baptist Church.

Having been diagnosed with Dementia in 2015 and journeying through a prolonged bout with the disease, Jimmy departed this life on 8/26/23 at 11:50 p.m.

Cherishing his memory is his loving wife, Lyda Duke Singleton; beloved son Kyle James Singleton; Beloved Pet “Patchez”; Rev. Lannie Thomas, Sister-in-Law; Alice Richards, Sister-in-Law; Richard W. McCormick (Joanne), Brother-in-law; his brother from another mother, Joseph Holloway (Elaine); biological special mention cousins Christine Williams, Moses Haynesworth and Yvonne Mills, as well as a heap of other cousins, nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces on his wife’s side, of which he whole-heartedly loved.  Special mention friends Arthur Williams, aka Mickey (Anna); Tony Best (Alice); and a host of friends.  Predeceasing Jimmy’s death were his brothers John of California and Frank (Jannie) of Florida.