James Thomas Catoe

James Thomas Catoe transitioned peacefully in his home on Thursday, February 6, 2025. He was the son of the late Dock Sr. and Martha Drakeford Catoe and Archie and Laura Catoe. He was born December 4,1953 in Kershaw County, South Carolina.

James was an active member of O’Zion A.M.E Zion Church, where he served as a member of the Adult Sunday School Class, local and Connectional Lay Council, the Evangelism Department, and the Assistant Class Leader for Class #5.  He enjoyed participating in weekly bible study and prayer group sessions, working in the yard, and going to church. He also enjoyed visiting family, friends, and traveling with his sister and church family.  He had a heart filled with joy and always someone you could talk to about anything.

James was a graduate of South Mecklenburg High School. He also served 18 years in the Army National Guard as part of the tank crew.

            He was preceded in death by his parents the late Dock Sr. and Martha Drakeford Catoe and the late Archie and Laura Catoe; Three sisters: Nannie Catoe Thompson, Sandra Catoe Moore, and Louise Catoe Brown; Three brothers: Sammie Catoe, Otis Drakeford Jr., and Benjamin Catoe.

            He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Minerva Catoe; two daughters, Shae Springs (Voderick) and Yolanda Thomasson (Todd) both of Gastonia, NC; four grandchildren: Shayla and Delainah Springs, Darion and Kaylin Thomasson; one great-grandchild, Kasani Jackson; a stepdaughter, Emily Gonzalez; a beloved niece whom he helped to raise, Wanda Knox (Chad); four sisters: Martha Jones and Geraldine Catoe both of Heath Springs, SC, Betty Howard (Jeffrey) of Kershaw, SC, and  Lizzie Richardson of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Dock Catoe Jr. of Heath Springs, SC; Six sisters-in-law: Lisa, Maxine, Gracie, and Carolyn Carothers all of Lake Wylie, SC,  Earlene and Mary Carothers both of Gastonia, NC;  Three brothers-in-law: Paul Carothers (Vivian)  of Lake Wylie, SC, James C. Carothers of Charlotte, NC, and Pete Brown of Heath Springs, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

            Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at O'Zion AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC with Rev. Grady Moss Sharps officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, prior to the service.

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