James Morris Peete

James Morris Peete departed his earthly home for eternal life in Heaven on April 27, 2019. Born September 20, 1934 in Atoka, Tennessee.  James was the third of eleven children born to David Lee Peete, Sr. and Katherine Dabila Peete.

James was a father to his only son, James Burnett Peete of Memphis, Tennessee; six beautiful grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  It tickled his heart and brought him so much pleasure to sit and look at pictures of them and to hear all their many successes, he was very proud of each of them. 

James excepted Christ in his early years while attending church with his mother.  He spoke of the day when him and his brother David walked up to the front of the church to receive Christ and the right had of fellowship.  He remembered the joy and the smile that Sunday morning brought to his mother.

James received his formal education through the Tipton County School System, where he attended Crosstown Elementary.  However, his education abruptly ended.   He would often miss school to help his parents work in the cotton fields with his older brother Dave, younger brother, Louis and his younger sister, Mary.  Where they all found solace in competing to see who could pick the most and the quickest.  Well the boys were blindsided, they underestimated their sister Mary, who was by a long shot stronger and quicker.  James had a very small body frame, but he was strong as an ox.  He worked diligently in the fields, never complaining to ensure that his siblings would never go to bed hungry.  The love he had for his siblings made this daily task much easier. James held many jobs.  He joined the United States Navy in 1955. During his 9 years of service on the USS Stoddard which was a Fletcher -Class Destroyer.  He worked as a Boiler Technician being held responsible for inspection maintenance and repair of everything involved in a steam-propulsion system.  Upon returning and transitioning from military to civilian life, James did and array of jobs.  He was employed at the University of Tennessee for more than six years.  There he was a janitor, bus boy and a cook.  He held more jobs, one of which was at Busch Auto, his job was detailing cars.  He also worked at Salvation Army as a truck driver for 2 years and Vogue Soap Company for 9 years.  He had a great opportunity at Pacific Oak Lawn Mower Company, where he worked for 8 years.  There he learned to maintain and repair many types of mowers.  In 1983, James started his own Lawn Repair Business.  He was very successful, earning the trust and loyalty of many people in San Diego retiring after 16 years.  James was an avid sports fan and Gardner.  After moving to San Diego, California in 1964, he became a die-hard Padre and charger fan.  He loved attending these games with his nephews, Reginal and Winston.  Even though his teams endured many losses, he kept the faith.   His green thumb allowed him to grow his own food which included some of the most beautiful collard greens and mustard greens, pepper, different herbs and big tomatoes.  He often shared and cooked for those less fortunate in his community.  James was a connoisseur of hotdogs and bologna.  He took pleasure in gobbling down his favorite fast food hamburgers.  However, nothing took the place of his love for Coca Cola.

James loved listening to the blues and many of is favorite artist included, BB King, Muddy Waters, Johnny Lang, Sonny Boy Williamson to name a few.  He would often be heard singing and humming his favorite song “Good Morning Lil School Girl”. James had an undeniable love for all his siblings, and he had loads of stories that he repeated from time to time about their childhood.  It was his memories that brought him some of his greatest joys.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his son, James Burnett (Sharron) of Memphis, Tennessee; sister, Laverne Peete of Chicago, Illinois, brother Louis E. Peete (Rose) of Murrietta Hot Springs, California, sister, Dorothy L. Peete Martin (Winston) of San Diego, California; brother, Willie Peete (Ovetta) of Senatobia, Mississippi; sister Jacqueline Peete Ford of Palm Springs, California; raised alongside of all of the above mentioned; Dr. Sandra Mann (Willie) of Barlett, Illinois; 6  grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and a host of very special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Special acknowledgement to his nephew, Reginald D. Martin and his wife, Gwenlyn A. Martin for giving tirelessly, effortless, love, joy and an abundance of gratitude their support throughout the last 6 years of his life and he will be truly missed. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Katherine Peete; his brothers, Ben Peete and David Lee Peete Jr. ;his sisters, Bessie Peete-Goodlett and Mary Peete-Warfield;

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