James Edward Bryant was born on September 28, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana to James Edward Bryant, Sr. and Thelma Marie Thibodeaux. James grew up in DeRidder, Louisiana and was the second of ten children. James was affectionately known to his parents and siblings as “Brother” - a nickname that would stay with him throughout his life and was a token of how he cared for those closest to him.

After finishing high school, James joined the Peace Corps where he began his lifelong love of cooking. James traveled with the Peace Corps for a couple of years before settling in Massachusetts in 1966. In 1973, James moved to Texas where he would eventually meet the love of his life, Joyce Armstrong. James and Joyce were married in 1979 and began building a family. In 1980, James and Joyce began studying the Bible and were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1982.

James retired from the Department of State Health Services in 2006 after more than 30 years of state service.  James loved cooking and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed hobbies such as grilling, fishing, landscaping, and his favorite pastime: gardening. James was known for his green thumb and loved planting and growing vegetables to cook or share with others. James loved working in his garden and would often share tips with anyone who would listen. Although James was passionate about gardening, he was most passionate about sharing with others the good news about God’s kingdom and God’s wonderful promises for the future. James helped a number of individuals come to knowledge of Jehovah God and dedicate their lives to Him. Even during hospital stays, James made sure to stay in touch with his Bible students. James proudly served as a pioneer for over 15 years and as an Elder for more than 30 years. James had many titles: Husband, father, brother, friend, gardener, pioneer, elder and his most endearing – “Paw Paw". James loved spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren and often joked about how spoiling them was not his problem, but that of their parents. James was blessed to help raise several of his grandchildren and loved teaching them a few of his hobbies.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Barbara Hurse, and his grandson, Andre Bryant. James is survived by his wife of 44 years, Joyce; sons, Kevin Bryant (Pernille) and Charles Ryans; daughters, Tonya Toles (Kenyan), Michelle West, Aisha Milburn (Derwin), and Melonee Carter. James is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Shanell Rhodes, Victoria Gregg, Kamara West, Christian Ryans, Anna West, Asia Carter, London Ryans, Tania Carter, Kendall Milburn, Brielle Milburn, and James Carter; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Alice, Ollie, Evelyn, Pat, Amy, Marilyn, Chris Well, and Melonee Gail, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/james-edward-bryant/obituary/

Copy