James Bethea Jr.

James Luther Bethea, Jr., 72, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. He was a man full of life who lived his life to the fullest. He was so full of life that he had an impact on everyone he met. James retired from Thomasville Fiber, where he worked for 25 years. He was a faithful member at Solid Rock Baptist Church. James' commitment to his church was enormous; he volunteered at church events, assisted with the food bank, and sang on the male chorus. He was always there ready to help wherever needed. James always encouraged his family to come to church and accept Jesus Christ in their life. He would help his family and neighbors. He was there at the critical times when they needed him the most. James would leave you thinking, laughing, and feeling grateful. He was born in Rowland, North Carolina, to the late Luther Bethea and Flossie McArthur Bethea on September 12, 1949. In addition to his parents, James was also preceded in death by one sister, Flora Bethea; one brother, Michael Bethea; and two grandchildren, Joseph Crawford and Quadashia Crawford. He is survived by: his wife of 54 years, Janie Mae Crawford; three children, Maurice James Bethea, Lee Crawford, and Amy Crawford-Garrett; two brothers, Paul Bethea and Ben Bethea; two sisters, Ida Washington and Melinee Bethea; a generation of ten grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.