James Henry Gresham

 James Henry Gresham at the age of 91, went to be with the Lord in his home surrounded by his family in Fort Walton Beach, Florida Sunday afternoon March 15 at 1:30 p.m. James was born October 14, 1934 In Selma, Alabama, to the late Sloan Gresham and the late Beatrice Walker.

James enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Korean war from 1952 to 1955. He was awarded the national Defense Service Medal and the China Service Medal. After the military, James attended San Diego State College and later begin to work for Boeing and Lockheed Martin Aerospace Manufacturers as an Aircraft Mechanic.

James was a natural born singer, musician, and writer. He was one of the best singers as well as eater (especially fish).  BMI list 14 songs to his credit. He wrote and produced records in Los Angeles in the 60s. He also played in Rosey Grier’s Band, and wrote and produced records for Rosey’s record label “ Tac-Ful”. He has appeared with the late Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex, and many other “soul greats”.

During his 20 year journey, he taught music theory and provided music selections for the following: graduations, stage plays, church services and other official events. When James returned home, he became apart of the Sylvania Heights Music Department and donated his time to teach music to those of all ages. He was a faithful attendee of weekly Bible Study and Sunday School classes.

He was preceded in death by his three sons:  Marlon, Darryl, and Ibok-Ete, and his two brothers: Willie Earl and Benjamin. James leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Katrina of 58 years.  Children: Diatrice of San Francisco, California: Tripoli of Milton, Florida; Jerome Tampa, Florida; Tommetta of Montgomery, Alabama; Benghazi of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. One sister, Mary Ann of Florence, Alabama. Two brothers Sloan of Anniston, Alabama and Percy of Pensacola Florida.  One Brother-In-Law, Maurice One Sister-in-aw, Amerika Hall both of Montgomery, Alabama and with many grand children, great-grand children, nieces, nephews, and church family.