Luther "Big Dee" James Jr

Luther James Jr., affectionately known as Dee-Dee, Big D, and Luke, was born November 18, 1979, to Elizabeth Williams James and Luther James Sr. in Springfield, South Carolina. He suddenly passed away on January 9, 2024, at his residence. His loss is completely unexpected, and our family is profoundly saddened. Dee-Dee received his early education in the South Carolina school systems. As a youth, he was an excellent athlete. He played in football and softball leagues winning championships across South Carolina. He spent summers in Delaware, and enjoyed basketball, bowling, swimming, and hanging with all his cousins, who were more like his siblings, before returning home to South Carolina. He accepted Christ at an early age, and attended services with his mother at Frost Branch Baptist Church in South Carolina. He was also actively involved in the youth ministry at Holy Bethel the Church of God in Delaware, where he sang in the choir, participated in Sunday School, bible study, Children’s Services, and was an honorary member of the music department. Later, he became a member of Prayer & Praise Power Ministries Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Middle/High School, and in 1997, Dee-Dee relocated to Delaware and transferred to Delcastle Technical High School in Wilmington, where he specialized in Carpentry. In school, he was recognized for his attention to detail, precise cuts, and excellent measurement skills in woodworking. During high school and as a young adult, Dee-Dee held various jobs at Wendy’s, Popeyes, Amazon, and worked side-by-side with his aunts Mattie and Marie in their janitorial businesses. He was always about his money, and had no problem pulling other family members into his pursuit for greater opportunities. In 2001, Dee-Dee welcomed his only son, Jamiere Murray into this world. Jamiere was his pride and joy. Wherever Dee-Dee went, Jamiere was always one step behind. He was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. In 2005, Luke began working at Service Tire Truck Center, where he remained for 18 years, and recently served as the Warehouse Manager. He was the backbone to the New Castle shop, and always held his Service Tire family in the highest regards. He devoted his free time with family and playing pool. In 2012, Big D joined the City of Wilmington Inner City Pool league, and was a member of the N-Da-Pocket team. Over the years, he served in many capacities, including Team Captain, and led his teams to several championship tournaments throughout the years. He loved spending time in the kitchen and on the BBQ grill creating delicious meals for his family, Service Tire, and the pool league. He enjoyed every moment cooking, singing, and spending quality time with his nieces, nephew, and little cousins. He had a nickname for each one of them, and his family meant more to him than words can describe. Big D lived a full and vibrant life with more friends than you could count. To his nieces, nephews, and cousins, he was the “cool” Uncle D and was always fun to hang around. He was the family comedian and the life of the party. Around him, there was never a dull moment. He kept people rolling in laughter because he could find humor in every aspect of life. Many loved him for his compassionate ways and his caring heart. “If you knew him, and had him for a friend, he wasn’t just a friend by word, he was a friend indeed. Big D was big-hearted and radiated light. He accepted everyone with an open heart and open arms. His love had no boundaries. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ethel Mae and Jerome Williams, and Lovell and David Lee James Sr.; (2) aunts: Lovely Ann Johnson and Elizabeth James, and (1) uncle, David Lee James Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Jamiere Murray, (3) grandchildren: Kardi’Yair Montford, Ahmierie Peace, and Vixen Comer; his mother, Elizabeth Williams James; father, Luther James Sr.; (3) Sisters: Shemeka James, Kebrina Howard, Yadira Williams; (5) brothers: Lucas James, Marquis (Sarah) Howard, Kendrick James, Antonio James, and Roberto James; a special friend, Soweto Anderson, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Dee-Dee’s departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply in his wide-network of community.

Luther "Big Dee" James Jr

November 18, 1979 - January 9, 2024