James Love

James Randy Love passed away unexpectedly at the age of 68 on December 31, 2024, in Snellville, Georgia. James was the youngest of eight children born to David Lee and Beatrice M. Love in Welch, West Virginia. He was affectionately called ‘Jimmy’ by family and close friends, and he knew he was everyone’s favorite. After his family moved to Ohio, James spent most of his life in Columbus before recently moving to Georgia to enjoy retirement with his wife Jessica, son James Randy II, and his nieces and nephews.

In high school, James was a standout basketball player at Linden McKinley High School and was a member of the 1975 State Championship Basketball team. He played college basketball in Spokane, Washington, before transferring home to Capital University, where injuries ultimately ended his basketball journey. In 1977 James welcomed his oldest son, Anthony 'Tony' Haynes-Love.

James joined the Columbus Police Department in 1980 with his brother Ronald 'Bruce' Love and served most of their careers on the force together. He found great fulfillment serving as a D.A.R.E. officer and later as a School Resource Officer with the Columbus Public Schools, while also dedicating his time as a coach at the Police Athletic League. He was deeply committed to guiding and supporting young people, earning the admiration of countless students as a trusted mentor and role model. He retired in June 2005. Never one to stay idle, he returned to work, contributing his talents to the Ohio Youth Advocate Program, Thirty-One Gifts, and Eddie Bauer.

On August 28, 1993, James married the love of his life Jessica Holliday and together, they welcomed James Randy Love II.

James's faith guided his life; he served on the Kitchen Committee at Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church before joining New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where he was honored to serve as a Deacon. He was a passionate baker and enjoyed making cakes and homemade rolls for family and friends. He absolutely adored his faithful dog Tiger and grand puppy Brixx. James enjoyed fishing, spending time with family and occasionally testing his luck at the casino. He was a handy man who could build or fix anything.

James is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Tommie Boone, Edith, and Drucilla 'Juan' Love; his brother David Jr.; and his nephews, Marcus Love and Zachary Wolman. James leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Jessica Holliday Love; sons, Anthony Haynes-Love and James Randy Love II; sisters, Imogene Fields and Elizabeth "Susie" (Arthur Jr. ) Cook; brother, Ronald (Tina) Love; parents-in-law, Clifton and Betty Holliday; sister-in-law, Melody Holliday; brothers-in-law, Cliff Holliday and Isom Boone Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

His physical presence, infectious smile and charm will be sorely missed.