James Andrew Love Jr.

James Andrew Love, Jr. affectionately called "Fatman" was gifted to this world on November 5, 1949 in Dublin, Mississippi to Mardine Perkins and James A. Love, Sr., whom both preceded him in death. Being raised by his maternal grandmother, Mattie Luvenia Perkins; James was a very soft spoken and private person who adored his family. His life was deeply intertwined with the families of Love, Allen, Tiger, and Perkins, who always provided shelter and love. Regardless of the nature of your relationship, if he knew you, he lovingly greeted you with, what's up "Bum!" In 1952, his mother married Floyd Battle, Sr. in Tutwiler, Mississippi, expanding James's family with five brothers and six sisters. His brother, Lester, preceded him in death. James began his educational journey after moving to Chicago, Illinois, where he attended Kershaw Elementary School and later graduated from Calumet High School in 1967. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country. During his time in the military and throughout his journey in Algiers - New Orleans, Louisiana, James would send postcards to his grandmother to assure her he was fine, demonstrating his deep love and respect for her. From a young age, James was grounded in his faith. James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Greater Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church under the late Pastor Albert Tillman. Never wavering in the vineyard, he transitioned under the leadership of Rev. Ernest F. Ledbetter, Jr., now Hebron City Christian Center. James loved his church, he faithfully served as an Usher for many years, standing at the doors with many of his relatives. He had a love for reading the Holy Bible, listening to the preached word, and faithfully paying his tithes. On and off the field, he believed in serving as a soldier in the army of the Lord. He embraced the blessing of marriage. James did not play when it was time to get dressed, he loved wearing suits and you would often find him in his long black trench coat and some sharp shoes; he definitely made sure he found a bargain that made him look like he spent a fortune. On Oct 6, 1984, God saw fit to bless James and Norene Northington with his only son, Timothy. A relationship was formed over the years with a bond of being created in his likeness. James was a hardworking man with a variety of skills, particularly in labor and construction. Whether building or repairing, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He worked in several positions throughout his life but retired as a truck driver for Studio 41. Despite facing health challenges in his later years, James always maintained a positive attitude, never complaining and greeting everyone with a smile and tilting his head with his signature laugh. His love for life extended to his interests in sports, music, western movies, and politics. He especially enjoyed playing cards, whether it was Spades or Bid Whist, he was always eager to compete with friends and family. James made his transition to eternity on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 and was preceded in death by his parents: Father, James Love, Sr.; Mother, Mardine Battle; Maternal Grandparents, Mattie Luvenia and James Perkins, Sr.; Paternal Grandparents, the Loves; and Brother, Lester Battle. James leaves to cherish his legacy and memories; son, Timothy Sr., six grandchildren; Timyah, Bryan, Saniya, Sharonae, Timothy Jr. and Timarion; one great granddaughter, Ny'omi; stepfather, Floyd Battle, Sr.; ten siblings, Floyd Battle, Jr., Anita Gilyard (Charles), Diane Hawthorne (Glen), Larry Battle (Darcel), Patricia Trice, Cassandra Flowers (Wayne), Andre Battle, Sr. (Shellia), Margo Nelson (Jimmie), Marcelle Battle (Vernita), and Darnisha Heard (Dueshazer); thirty-eight nieces and nephews, fifty-five great nieces and nephews, eight great-great nieces and nephews, a host of cousins that felt like siblings and an abundance of extended family and friends, including a special friend, Deola Shaw. James will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

James Andrew Love Jr.

November 5, 1949 - March 12, 2025