David Earl James

David Earl James, 76, of Pinetops, passed away on March 10, 2026. Born on June 16, 1949, in Columbia, North Carolina, to Muriel and M.A. James, he was a devoted family man whose quiet strength and steadfast faith defined his life.

After graduating from North Edgecombe High School in 1968, David joined the United States Air Force. He served in Vietnam and at several domestic air stations as an aircraft maintenance specialist, attaining the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1972. He then worked as a maintenance technician, first at Formica and later retiring from ABB. A longtime active member of Penders Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, he served faithfully as a Deacon. Those who knew him remember him as a devoted husband who lovingly cared for his wife, Octavia Ann Armstrong, throughout her illness.

David was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his brothers Teddy, Thurman, and Lee Staton James, and his baby sister Elsie Marie James. He is survived by his son, Michael B. James and wife Kim; grandchildren Amy Casteel (Joseph), Jackson (J.P.), Riley, and Zachary James, all of Pinetops; sister-in-law Brenda Dickson (Ronnie) of Tarboro; sister-in-law Brenda James of Washington; nephews Tee and Matthew James, Pete and Chip Dickson; and several great-nieces and a great-nephew.

He passed peacefully at ECU Health Edgecombe in Tarboro following a battle with cancer.