Deacon James Washington

Deacon James Washington, affectionately known as "Suede", passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 80 years, to be with the Lord. Born on May 31, 1945, as the fifth of thirteen children, to the late Vester Milner Washington and John Washington in McKamie, Arkansas. James's family later relocated to Stamps, Arkansas, where he graduated from Ellis High School and became a faithful member of Brown Chapel CME Church.

In 1966, James married Carolyn Jo Kendricks, and they subsequently relocated to Minden, Louisiana. Upon their arrival in Minden, James secured employment with the Sperry Rand Army Ammunition Base. Following several years of residence in Minden, James and Carolyn opted to return to Stamps, Arkansas, where they welcomed a son, James A. Washington (Tony), and constructed a home in 1974. Later that year, Carolyn and Tony relocated to Bay City, Michigan, to pursue medical treatment for Tony, with James joining them shortly thereafter. By 1975, James had established himself with Resistance Welders Company, also known as RWC, where he developed expertise as an electrician and welder, undertaking global assignments. He was affectionately known as "Ham Bone" within the organization. James concluded his 30-year tenure with RWC. To remain engaged, James joined the fraternal organization of Shepherds Herd Masons in 1977.

James continued his stewardship in the church by uniting with Woodside Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Leroy Quinn, where he was ordained as a deacon on April 21, 1991. Woodside was later renamed to The Gethsamane Missionary Baptist Church, where he continued to serve as a deacon until his health would no longer permit him to serve. Deacon James Washington will be deeply missed by family, friends, church, family, and the community of Bay City. Deacon Washington had a profound affection for the children of the church. Whenever they desired McDonald's, they knew who to call, affectionately referring to him as "Uncle Suede".

James leaves to cherish his memory, his caring wife of 59 years, Carolyn Jo; son, James A. Washington (Tony) of Bay City, Michigan; daughter, LaKeshia S. Washington of Saginaw, Michigan; grandson, Donald James Ajimi Wendt; great-grandson, Lonzo James Wendt, both of Bay City Michigan; sisters, DeLoise Brock, Johnnie (John) Green, MaryLee Washington all of Stamps, Arkansas and Dorothy Jones of Detroit, Michigan; brother, Fred (Catherine) Washington of Stamps, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; special sisters-in-law, Emma D. Madison and Vernesta L. Bradford, both of Bay City, Michigan, and Marilyn (Charles) Burdette of Stamps, Arkansas; special godchildren, Erica (Leo) James of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sheldon Nathaniel Ford, whom preceded him in death of Bay City, Michigan and LaShaundra Tanae Baty-Swayzer of Bay City, Michigan.

With profound gratitude, we would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to the McLaren Hospice Center, The Tony and Trish House, and the entire staff of Auburn, Michigan; Pastor Benjamin Smith of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church and the entire church family; Pastor Marcelle Smith of The Historic Second Baptist Church and the entire church family, both of Bay City, Michigan; Thank you Pastor Benjamin Smith, Ivan E. Phillips and Staff of the Paradise Funeral Home for your exemplary professionalism and compassionate service. A special debt of gratitude is owed to Derrick Schmiege and Jessica Meylan for the love and care you showed James, as well as the entire Chilson Street neighborhood. May God bless each of you.