Born in Chaplin, South Carolina to Ellen and Jacob Mayers on January 8, 1918, James Ollie Mayers, was the fourth son in a family of five boys and one girl. At age three, the family left Chaplin and move to Norfolk, Virginia and still later in the public school system. In 1933m he married Mattie Custis and two children, Doris and James were born of this union. He was later remarried to Inez Turner and two girls, Constance and Ruth, were born. In 1945, Inez was deceased. Years later, then a widower, took a wife, Mary Elizabeth Greene, in marriage. They remained married for forty-nine years until Mary's death in 2002. Industrious to a fault, Jams started work at the tender age of nine and continued thhrough until his retirement from International Truck and Engine Company. Included in his work history were stationary engineer, eletrician, and home improvement contractor. Work was a very satisfying endeavor for James, and upon his retirement he continued with his own home improvement business. He could be found at almost any given moment down on his hands and knees comppleting a home improvement project, and this was ''cool'' with him! Jamesloved his work, and reluctantly gave it up when he could no longer continue. A very likeable, pleasant, friendly person, James had many friends. Sadly he outlived many of them. But they were all very special to them. But they were all very special to him. James lived to go fishing and often did, bringing home large batches of fresh fish to generously disribute to friends and family alike. He alson enjoyed baseball and football and spent much time watching them on television. James was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband and friend. He often spoke lovingly of his wife, Mary, his friends, his grandchildren, his children, an epecially his devoted daughtr, Ruth who was didicated, steadfast, and loving throughout his lengthy illness. He woulod often speak to his friends and family about his ''wonderful'' daughter.'' To say that James was a strong, tenacious man is an understatement! In the face of all his ailments, when asked, ''How are you feeling today?'' his reply almost always, ''I feel good. Nothing is hurting me.'' He loved life, and when recently asked, ''Do you feel that you have had a good life?'' his answer was, ''I've had a good life. I have a good life.'' On August 3, 2007 at 6:36p.m., James peacefully slipped away. Predeceased by his loving wives, Mattie, Inez and Mary; three daughters, Constance, Doris and Ellen; son, James Ollie; four brothers, Romie, Roy, Robert and Keister; step-brother, Walter Johnson; and siser, Annabelle; he leave to embrace his love: his devoted daughter, Ruth; his loving son, James Delroy; nine grandsons, Guy C. Davidson, Tony K. Coward, Levin Palmer, James Hill, Chevon Ingram, Lawrence C. Hill, James Ingram, James D. Mayers, II and Scott R. Hopewell; three granddaughters, Tamiko Corbin, Terra Johnson and Nicole I. Hopewell; many great-grandchildren, and a host of othr relatives and friends.