James Jemison

James Lavelle Jemison 49, having accepted and professed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, entered into eternal rest at  8:55 pm. Jan. 14, 2020 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Alton on July 1, 1970, he was the son of the late Albert Jemison and Barbara Joyce (Wilson) Jemison. 

James attended schools in Alton, Edwardsville and Detroit, Michigan before permanently relocating to Minneapolis where he worked in automotive sales. He will always be remembered for his huge smile, wild sense of humor, and his love of cooking for family and friends, fiercely guarding his recipes, some of which garnered him the nicknames "Catfish" and "Fishman".  He was also known as “Pony Boy” in Detroit, Michigan.  James is survived by two daughters, Tierra Tart and Semaj Jemison both of Minneapolis, a son, Lavelle Jemison of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, five sisters, Vicky (Wilson) Morse, Godfrey, IL, Grace Wilson, Madison, IL, Teresa (Alan) Wilson-Bolling, Glen Carbon, IL, Barbara Nanette Wilson, Pontoon Beach, IL, and Mary Wilson, Detroit, Michigan, two brothers, Byron Wilson and Paul  Wilson both of Edwardsville, IL. along with a large extended family in the Alton and Collinsville area.  He also leaves behind two special friends, Sharise Tart and Orlando Holden of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceeded in death by a brother, Robert "Bobby " Hayes.

Cremation rites were accorded by Washburn-McReavy-Davies Funeral Chapel in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 1p.m. on Saturday February 8, 2020 at New Mount Zion Baptist Church 307 Goethe St. Collinsville, IL with Pastor Marion DeBoe, officiant.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to Irwin Chapel Funeral Home in Granite City, IL for its assistance with local arrangements.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home