James Lee Eaton

James Lee Eaton was born on May 23, 1948, to Ergie Lee Smith and Garzell Cage in Sunflower, Mississippi.

In 1953, his family moved to Bolivar County, Mississippi and he began attending school in the

Bolivar County School System. James attended elementary school at H.M. Nailor. James accepted Christ in August of 1958, at St. Peter's Rock M. B. Church under the leadership of Rev. L.L Laws. He graduated high school from East Side High School in 1968. 

After graduation, he relocated to Chicago and began working atInternational Business Machines Corporation (IBM) as a Senior Account Manager until 1991. After retiring from IBM, James ventured into entrepreneurship by opening his own antique shop, Bofield’s Place until 1955. 

In 1995, he moved back to Cleveland and reunited with his mother Ergie, and sister Josephine. Once in Cleveland, he became a member of the United Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Sammie Rash where she served as a faithful and devoted member until his death. As a member of the UBC family, he served as the chairperson for the annual United Family Life Center Banquet and a member of the Outreach Ministry. While in Cleveland, James worked at Peter’s Pottery, in Mound Bayou, MS, as a ceramist until his death. 

James was known as “Mr. Esquire” for his smooth sense of style and his poise presentation. James enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, listening to rhythm & blues, attending live concerts, collecting antiques, and enjoying the finer things in life. 

On Sunday, October 23, 2022, while at the UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, he departed 

his earthly tabernacle and peacefully transitioned into hisheavenly mansion. He was preceded

in death by her mother Ergie, father Garzell, Grandmother Ola Mae Bailey, sisters: Ola B. Gooden, Leeana Barnes, Josephine Eaton Morgan Ware, Letha Mae Pittman, Melva Donnell-Bond, Viola King, Earlene Hudson, Mattie Faggins, and Beulah Stewart; brothers: Jim Eaton, Isaac Cage, Mose Cage, and Percy Atkins. 

He leaves to cherish his daughter Veronica(Chad) Lewis of(Pennsylvania), one sister Lazell (Alton) Carr of McComb, MS, host of nieces and nephews: Mary Ann, D’Waine, Yalonda, Darrie, La’Shunda (Freddie), Mark (Elfreda), Janet, Bobby, Denise, Michael, Bobby, LaQuita (John), Lashonda, LaTavya,Amelia, Ebony (Francis), Dontavius, Anfernee, Kenya, LaTrice, Shanice, Jessica, Jeremiah, Zuri, Jai, Sa'Mariyah, Dontavius Jr., and Ava. He also leaves to cherish an abundance of cousins, close friends, and extended family. Lastly, he leaves to cherish his aunt Willie Lee Hopkins and uncle Farris Hopkins Sr., both of Louisville, Mississippi.