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Wednesday, May 7,19973:00 P.M.

Tabernacle Baptist Church Augusta, Georgia

Reverend Inez J. Smith, Presiding Reverend Nathaniel Irvin, Officiating

^Portrait o

^ Qtarks, ^Jr., was the eldest of two children

born to the union of the late James L. Sr., and Richardine Starks on December 23,1924 in Augusta, Georgia.

He was a graduate of Richmond County Public Schools, Paine College and Indiana University. He did additional graduate work at Atlanta University, the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University.

He worked for thirty two years in the Richmond County School System, serving as principal of Weed Elementary School and W. S. Hornsby Elementary School. He was regarded with much respect and affection by his pupils as "Mr. Starks, the Principal." He also served as coach, teacher and director of music at Lowndes County Training School in Valdosta, Georgia. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific Theatre aboard the George F. Elliott troop transport ship.

He was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where he was a trustee and served as church organist for more than fifty years. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Ambassadors Bridge Club. He was also a member of the Georgia Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Executive Committee of the Augusta Federation of Musicians and the Daniel Field Aviation Commission. He was a past president of the Richmond County Teachers Association and the Augusta Mini-Theatre Board of Directors. He was also the first Black president of the Richmond County Principals Association.

Known and loved throughout the Augusta community as "Jimmy," he was an accomplished pianist who unselfishly shared his talents throughout his life. He started his piano training when he was about nine years old under the concerned tutelage of his aunt, Mrs. E. L. Stewart. He later studied as a

private student under Mr. Mark Fax at Paine College. During his Navy years he had an opportunity to play with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. He also played at the Wonder Bar in Atlantic City, New Jersey. After completing college and entering the field of education, music became his avid avocation. He continued to learn from local musicians and began to take part-time jobs playing in local clubs which catered to jazz. He received enthusiastic support from fans at the College Bowl Lounge, the Cellar, the Office and other sites. "Jimmy" loved music and the people loved Jimmy. The smooth and gentle sound of his music shall remain a loving echo in the hearts of Augustans everywhere.

"Jimmy" was married to the former Emma Lou Grant on June 10, 1947. The couple©s combination of her beautiful voice and his accompaniment was a cherished and legendary gift to the Augusta community. Musical performances by "Jimmy and Emma Lou" were the highlight of numerous festive occasions and programs...

"Jimmy" is survived by his devoted wife, Emma Grant Starks, Augusta, GA; a son , Leonard J. Starks, Spartanburg, SC; a daughter, Aliciadine Starks-Ayinla, Augusta, GA; a sister, Carrie Evelyn Starks, Augusta, GA; two beloved granddaughters, Carolyn Janet Ayinla, Augusta, GA; and Kandace D. Starks, Spartanburg, SC; a daughter-in-law, Karla Starks, Spartanburg, SC; a cousin, Emma Brassfield, Miami, FL; nephew, Freddie P. Rosario; a brother-in-law, Johnnie (Thomasina) Grant, Augusta, GA; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Grant (Johnny) Hudson, Columbus, GA; godchildren, Barbara Budnick, Terrye Thompson, Larry Mozee, Rhonda G. Madden, Patricia Johnson, Myron Jenkins, Mark Conley and John Stewart; other relatives and many devoted friends.

Order of Service

Pre-Service Music ........................... Judith RuffinAlvin Blount

Prelude. ........................... Dr. Wanda Richardson

Processional ............................. "Abide With Me"

Presiding .............................. Rev. Inez J. Smith

Hymn. ........................................... Choir"Blessed Assurance"

ScripturesOld Testament - Psalm 121

New Testament - 1 Cor. 4:13-18

Prayer ......................... Rev. Clyde Hill, Sr., PastorMt. Calvary Baptist Church

Hymn .............................. "How Great Thou Art"

RemarksMr. Charles Smith Mr. James Dunn Mr. Dennis Wilds Mrs. Eleanor Prince

Portrait of Life. ............................. Read SilentlyMusic - Dr. Mark Jenkins

Acknowledgements .................. Mrs. Queenie Lawton

Trio ................................... The Fryer SistersAccompanied by Mrs. Edna S. Morgan

Eulogy ........................ Rev. Nathaniel Irvin, PastorOld Storm Branch Baptist Church

Recessional ........................... "Going Up Yonder"

Interment. ..................... Walker Memorial Cemetery

- Repast -Tabernacle Baptist Church

C[)on't Weep

Don ' t weep for me my friends For all my earthly cares are gone

Life on earth was my charge to keep

Now my God has called me home.

I not only used my talents

I taught others to do tlieir best

Now I©m safely home with my Father

And God always knows what ] s best.

I served at schools and churches

And gave everything my all

Whenever anyone needed me

All they had to do was call.

Now all my aches and pains are over

All my worries are in the past

r II just play my music in peace

Safely home in heaven at last.

—Gigi Braynon Watson Atlanta, Georgia

David Butler, ST. James Coleman William Daniel

JeffKeUyRobert Murrell

Brian PrinceDavid PrinceCurtis Wilder

Trustee Board of Tabernacle Baptist Church Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Ambassadors Bridge Club Carter McDaniel Way Post 235

Paine College Class of 1948Paine College Alumni Association

Richmond County Association of PrincipalsFormer Teachers, Students, and Staff

Friends from Shiloh / M.M. ScottR. A. Dent Gospel Choir

Combined Choir

We are deeply grateful for all acts of kindness shown during the illness and passing of our loved one. All deeds and words of comfort are greatly appreciated.

. .. THE FAMILY

Personal Care Was Given By Historic Denfs Undertaking Establishment

930 D'Antignac Street » Augusta, Georgia

"When Only Memories Remain, Let Them Be Beautiful"