Herbert Phillip James

Herbert James was a father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He was affectionately called by many names, such as Herb, Herbie, Dad, Pops, Papa, and Big Fella. Herb was born August 7, 1947 at Grant Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in the same city where he was surrounded by his ten siblings, mother and father.

For the last 45 years he lived in Pickerington, Ohio where he shared a home with his wife Brenda. At an early age Herb gave his life to Christ at Grace Baptist Church; served at Bethany Baptist Church for numerous years before being led to become a member at First Church of God. Herb was not only a God-fearing man, but a kind soul. He graduated high school from North High School in Columbus, Ohio. His higher education included studies at United Electronics in Louisville, Ky and later Franklin University, Columbus, Oh where he obtained a Business degree.

Herb’s family describes him as “someone who loved to laugh, loved to debate politics and was fiercely proud of his family.” He was known to be a support and aid to his extended family. During his studies at United Electronics in Louisville, Kentucky, Herb met Brenda. They married in 1968 and had 3 children; Dana, Tamara and John. Herb loved to travel with Brenda where they would go on cruising expeditions and had the opportunity to broaden their travel adventures with a church expedition to Africa. During his career he worked for Jeffrey Mining and Tool, State of Ohio Department of Development, as well as the Department of Commerce. It was known that Herb had an entrepreneurial spirit with a variety of self owned ventures. Herb was not limited in his scope of business endeavors which ranged from owning a commercial cleaning business to being a distributor of caskets. When not at work you could find Herb active with the Men’s Bible Study Group at First Church of God, spending time with his wife and kids, or rooting for his hometown Buckeyes Football team. Herb gained a new football allegiance watching his grandson play college football at Ohio University and he could be seen bantering with his granddaughter he affectionately called “Missy”. To all in the medical community, Herb was considered a medical miracle. He out-survived the life expectancy of a double lung transplant patient, had heart bypass surgery, was struck by several strokes and heart attacks and endured weekly dialysis treatments due to kidney failure. To say he was a fighter to the very end is not an understatement.

Herb is preceded in death by his parents Florine E. and John F. James. His siblings John, Robert, Ina, Samuel, Charles, Donald, and William. Herb leaves behind his wife Brenda James, his children Dana (Tony) Houston, Tamara James, John James; his grandchildren Bryce and Taylor Houston. Herb also leaves his siblings Shirley Wicker, Carolyn Reynolds, Arthur James and sister-in-law Marva James. Additionally he leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and loving brother and sister in-law.

Sunrise August 7, 1947 and Sunset June 15, 2022. Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Thursday, June 23, 2022 at First Church of God, 3480 Refugee Road. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to The JAMES Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com