James Bryant

James Alfred Lewis Bryant was born in Waynesville, North Carolina on March 17, 1934 to the late Dexter and Inez Banks Bryant. James was the second of six children born to Dexter and Inez. To their union came five boys and one girl. James attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church since early childhood, and eventually served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. In 1952, James graduated from Reynolds High School in Canton, North Carolina, where years later he became the head coach of the varsity football team and led the Reynolds Tigers to their most successful season in the school's history. As he advanced his education, he moved his family to Durham, North Carolina where he graduated from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) earning his Undergraduate and Master's Degrees. At Central, Dad played Center for the Maroon Eagles. While at Central, James was inducted into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Gamma Beta Chapter in the fall of 1958. His linename was 'Socrates', and for those who knew him – this name fit him well. He was a man of great wisdom, profound speech, and wit with intellect. In 1964, James married Omega Gibson of Canton, NC and to their union was three children, Meloni, Kyle and Erica. He then attended graduate school in Miami, Florida, where he studied for his Doctorate in Psychology. He was a motivator, innovator, philosopher, educator, and most of all, a loyal friend. James achieved many firsts throughout his career. He served as the first African-American male teacher/Principal at Pigeon Street Elementary School in Waynesville, North Carolina; was the first African-American to integrate the golf course at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina; James coached the 2nd winningest football team in Reynolds High School history. He was the first African-American male to teach Saturday classes at Haywood Correctional Prison in Hazelwood, North Carolina; and was appointed the first African-American Chief (Gold Badge) within the Miami Dade Police Department in Miami, Florida, where he served as Supervisor of the Bureau of Records. James was a past President of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives). His contributions to society were far reaching, and really cannot be measured. A mentor to many, a Civil Rights Activist during the early 60's, a faithful brother to his siblings, a cheerful uncle to his nieces and nephews, an inspiring coach to his football players, and making a mark in the lives of so many who live on today. James loved the game of golf. He often spoke about how it brought him much tranquility. After he could no longer play the links, he kept his television on the golf channel. Other hobbies during his life were bowling, attending the CIAA tournament each year and keeping up with current and political events of the world. Also, he enjoyed watching college and pro football. He remained a true Miami Hurricane fan. James Bryant departed this life on Monday evening, January 26, 2009. He was encircled by his family earlier that day and enjoyed a family prayer and took a sweeping view of his grandchildren, son, daughters, his niece and his brother Thomas. We all never knew that would be our last time together, but we are at peace that he has found sweet rest at last. He is survived by his wife, Alice C. Bryant of Miami, Florida, son J. Kyle Bryant, (Hyacinth) of Hampton, Georgia; daughter Erica Bryant Rocker of Fairburn, Georgia; Meloni Scurry, (Kenneth) of Jonesboro, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina; one sister, Theresa Bryant, two brothers Thomas (Boogie) Bryant and Carl Bryant, all of Waynesville; sister-in-law, Yvonne Bryant of Yorktown, Virginia; eight grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, law enforcement family, friends; and honorary family Joyce Phillips Robinson of Newnan, Georgia, and Goddaughter, Shantelle. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery with military services being conducted by VFW Post 5202 and American Legion Post 47. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville, and at other times, the family will be at the residence of Tina Bryant, 184 Bryson Street. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James L. Bryant Scholarship Fund, c/o Erica Rocker, 838 Wagonwheel Circle, Fairburn, GA 30123. Sleep on 'Socrates', your wisdom lives on…..

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