David Wayne James

August 15, 1947 - September 7, 2009
David Wayne James

Memorial Gifts & Donations




David Wayne James, 62, of Wilmington passed away peacefully Monday September 7, 2009 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

David was born in Wilmington August 15, 1947 the son of the late Perry Edwin and Louise King James. He graduated from NHHS in 1965. After graduating from UNC-W in 1971, he was featured in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. After college he taught at Hoggard High. He loved the English language and enjoyed teaching Shakespeare, science fiction, writing and working with the many students whose lives he influenced. He retired from teaching in New Hanover County Schools in 1980 due to serious health issues but was grateful for the opportunity to work with young people, many of whom came to visit him in later years.
He began the next chapter of his life by helping to raise his infant son, Graham, who was born in 1983. David was always there for Graham, whether it was going for ice cream after school or being there for boxing matches in which Graham was involved. He was a loving husband and a gentle father.

Surviving are his wife of 37 years Joan McGee James, a son David Graham James, both of the home, brother Perry Edwin James, Jr., nephew Perry Edwin James, III and wife Cindy, great nephew Andrew Edwin James, great niece Courtney Joyner James, all of Raleigh, and a niece Nancy James of England.

The family will see friends 6-8 P.M. this evening at Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service.
Memorial mass will be 2:00 PM, Friday September 11, 2009 at St. Mary Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank all the many wonderful people who made David’s last days as comfortable as possible: Dr. Robert Johnson who was first and foremost focused on doing the best for David and who looked after him as if he were family, as well as David’s other wonderful doctors and nurses. Also, our deepest thanks to the medical staff in the E.R., the paramedics, the P.C.U. staff, the I.C.U. staff, especially Emily, the chaplains of NHRMC as well as all our friends and neighbors.

Online condolences may be sent to www.wilmingtonburialandcremation.com

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • September 10, 2009
    Kay (Abeyounis) and Allen Davis says:
    Joan, Graham, and family, We are so sad to read of David's passing. Please know that we are praying for you to be consoled in your bereavement. We remember when you joined "our church". It was evident what a close family you were. Graham, we remember how reverent you were serving on the altar. Joan, we go back a long way... growing up in the same neighborhood and school. (We just can't be that old!) May God Bless you and keep you close to Him! Love, Kay and Allen

  • September 10, 2009
    Mary(Brydie) Southerland says:
    I knew Mr James from high school, we actually graduated the same year, even back then he was alway such a soft spoken and gentle person, now I know where Graham got his kindness from both of his parents. I have only worked with Graham for a short while at Time Warner. It is a real pleasure working with such a sweet and kind person. I know you will miss David very much but please know, he left such a great impression in our community with his kindness and warmth to everyone. My deepest condolences on your loss.

  • September 10, 2009
    Linda Linares says:
    Joan and Graham, you don't know me, but I knew David when he was a little boy as he and I grew up less than a block apart on Creasy Avenue and he was only a year younger than I am. Mrs. James babysat for my brother, Bobby. Graham, you will remember me because I saw you and your father at his last class reunion and I took pictures of the both of you to send to my brother. I was working the sign-in desk. David was always such a nice and gentle guy and I know he will be greatly missed by many, but forgotten by none. You and your family are in the prayers of my family and me, all of us who knew David. May he now rest in peace. He fought the good fight for many years.

  • September 11, 2009
    Heather-Anne Gillis says:
    Dear Joan and Graham: My mother and I were so sorry to hear of David's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything to help. With love, Heather-Anne

  • September 10, 2009
    T.J. Milliner says:
    On behalf of T.J. Milliner, Steve Washington, Jason Thonues, Jennifer Carroll, Dale Inscore and the rest of the students of Mrs. Joan James' Advanced GED Class at Cape Fear Community College Downtown, we would like to extend our condolences to the James Family for the loss of your loved one. No words can express how sorry we are, but just know that God never makes mistakes. May he provide you with a reasonal portion of comfort and strength during this difficult time. To Mrs. James, we know you loved your husband unconditionally, but understand that God loves him even more and saw that he (your husband) was tired and saw fit to take him home to heaven, the place where he'll forever rest in peace. To Graham, reminisce on the good times you had with your father because that's what will help you pull through in the days to come. And to the rest of the James Family, be of good cheer. Just know that Mr. David is now resting peacefully in the arms of a loving and merciful God. Look to the hills from whence cometh your help, because all your of help comes from the Lord. Humbly submitted, T.J. Milliner, Steve Washington, Jason Thonues, Jennifer Carroll, Dale Inscore and your entire Advanced GED Class at CFCC Downtown