Brice Martin James, 86, of Wilmington, passed away on September 26, 2022, at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Wilmington, he was the son of Emma Rebecca Pepper (James) Foote and Woodburn Martin James.
Brice graduated from Claymont High School and was part of the first U.S. integrated graduating class. He also attended Wilmington High’s night school to attain additional math courses, Fletcher Brown Vocational night school, University of Delaware night school, as well as various tech courses and seminars such as Wittenberg University, Ohio, where he was introduced to his favorite “Rocky Road” ice cream. Brice started his early career doing numerous jobs, even being offered a full-time teaching position at the Claymont Public School. He eventually worked for the Sun Oil Company and was then offered a job at the DuPont Experimental Station where he worked in many positions, eventually retiring in 1991 as their Service Center Supervisor of approximately 27 buildings.
Brice was a well-rounded individual. He was a four-year varsity football letter winner as right tackle, although he always claimed he “wasn’t much of a player.” He was the male lead performer in his senior play, performed in All State and Newcastle County choirs, played numerous instruments excelling in the organ, and taught gym classes while in high school. He was awarded 12 years of perfect attendance throughout undergrad, which his daughters were frequently reminded of while attending school. Brice was also a master councilor of DeMolay, Cub Scout den leader, and a member of the Masons (Master), American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Numerical Control Society (not the metal band), Claymont Committee for the YMCA Sellers Estate Project, Hodgson Vocational-Tech advisory board, Claymont Savings and Loan board, DEXSTA Credit Union board, and participated in the founding of the DuPont Experimental Station Blood Bank of Delaware.
Brice loved to travel with his wife Romaine. He visited all 50 states, the lower Canadian region, most of Mexico, all countries in Central America, all but four countries in South America, China, Russia, numerous visits to Europe and Israel, the Caribbean Islands, and voyaged on 29 cruises.
Brice was a man of faith and devoted his life not only to his family, but to God. He grew up as a member of the Atonement Methodist Church where he was a trustee, usher, board member, Sunday School teacher, and a member of numerous committees. He was then baptized into Bethel Baptist and served as an assistant treasurer, trustee, a member of the audit committee and was a co-organizer of the Just Older Youth seniors travel group. Later, he became a member of the Brandywine Valley Baptist Church where he served as a counter, transition usher, and edited and transferred Sunday sermon videos to the Internet.
Brice knew how to be a friend and mentor. Above all, his family was very important to him. He looked forward to family gatherings and helping whenever he could. He is survived by his wife, Romaine Beatrice Horney James, who he married in September 1957. His love for her was evident in the way he held her hand everywhere they went. He is also survived by two daughters, Carol Youngdale and her husband, Eric, of Texas, and Sandra Kenderdine and her husband, Jeffrey, of Pennsylvania; four grandchildren, Megan Schmitz (husband Samuel), Brooks Kenderdine (wife Paulina), Ryan Youngdale, and Colby Kenderdine; one great-grandchild, Noah Schmitz; two sisters, Nancy Harris (Dale), and Minerva Robinson - deceased (Harry - deceased); a brother John Warren James - deceased (Jean), and his numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
As a family, we wish to express our love for Brice. We will miss his presence here on earth. He has now been received home to our Savior Jesus Christ who created this beautiful world that Brice cherished.
A graveside service will be held at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 12 noon and all family and friends are welcome.
We express gratitude for the Hospice VITAS professionals who cared for Brice as well as his neighbors, friends and relatives who were a constant support to the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brandywine Valley Baptist Church, 7 Mt Lebanon Road, Wilmington, DE 19802 or a charity of your choice. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
