James Grice

James David Grice, son of the late Herbert and Nellie Grice, was born on July 23, 1946 in Dothan, Alabama. He was the fourth of six children and they were raised in a Christian home.  “Blue” as he was affectionately known to family and friends passed away on June 2, 2020 due to a long-term illness.  He was 73.

At an early age, James was raised up in the Church of God in Christ in Dothan, AL. James graduated from Carver High School in Dothan, Alabama in 1964. After high school James followed his older siblings Herbert, Mary and Charlie to Brooklyn, New York. He resided on “Cooper Street” which has been a home for multiple family members for approximately four generations. James began working in the manufacturer industry. James started a long-term relationship with Lillie Jones (Lou). Shortly after their newfound love, they welcomed two daughters Tara and Cicely and he stepped up as a dad to Tanya.

James enjoyed having one of the most “unbreakable bond” with his siblings (Herbert, Mary, Charlie, Jessie, and Ida).  He loved entertaining nieces and nephews who called him “Uncle David.” He was crazy about his cousin’s Peggy, Sandy, Big Jim, and he believed in building strong family connections with all his relatives. Year by year he enjoyed traveling to Carver High School Reunion, Class of 1964. Where James would gather with his classmates and childhood friends. Like his big brother Charlie, he remembered every one’s birthday. He would call or get on Facebook to shout out everyone’s birthday and “REAL AGE.” I would call daddy prior to my birthday to remind him not to tell my age.

While returning on from vacation, he reunited with a childhood friend name Rita from Lakeview, AL. For James, love was good the second time around and he married Ms. Rita Daniels. He was known for his love of sports and every season he was on to the next league. He played for a softball team where both him and his brother (Charlie) led the team to many victories. He loved to play in Bid Whist tournaments, and he enjoyed playing with friends and family.  He loved music by The Manhattans, Spinners, Temptations, Al Green to name a few.  James was a devoted father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, caring husband, cool uncle, loving cousins and a thoughtful friend to many.

James was surrounded by his family when he departed. He was preceded in death by parents Herbert and Nellie Grice, brothers Jessie Grice, Charlie Grice, and sister-in-law Daisy Grice. He leaves to cherish and mourned his life: estranged wife-Rita Grice (Dothan, AL), the Mother of his children Lou, his three daughters Tanya Lyles (Garcia), Tara Thomas (Anthony) and Cicely Jones-Grice, one stepson-Frederick Harper. Eight grandchildren Cortasia Turner, Talon Turner (Breanna), Wise Ellis, Amiyn White, Jelani Watties, Asha McCray, Karron Watties and step-grandson Tyrese Harper. Two great-granddaughters: Taniece and Tyler Turner. He is surviving siblings- one brother Herbert Grice Jr. (Ida), two sisters Mary Grice and Ida Best as well as an ex-sister-in-law Helen.  A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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