Obituary of Tyrone Earl James

Tyrone Earl James Tyrone Earl James passed away unexpectedly at his Santa Cruz home on December 10, 2010; he would have been 42 years old in January. Tyrone was born in Miami, Florida, and was raised from infancy in Riceboro, Georgia. He had spent time in Santa Cruz over the past 20 years, moved to the area in December 2008, and became a member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Tyrone's good nature and his smile that would light up a room were his gifts to all who knew him. Tyrone graduated from Bradwell Institute High School in Hinesville, GA, in 1987 where he was a star player for the Tigers Football Team. He earned a full-ride football scholarship to Clark Atlanta University, and was a huge fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Falcons. Tyrone was skilled in landscape design; first discovering his talents while working for his uncle on St. Simons Island in Georgia. He was a self-proclaimed irrigation specialist, and enjoyed helping friends and neighbors with their yards and watering needs. At the time of his death, he was employed with Costco and prior to that, with Safeway. A loving uncle, he could often be found at his niece and nephew's sporting events, or showing off his wonderful cooking skills as a volunteer for their elementary school's barbeque fundraiser. Tyrone is survived by his mother and father, Deborah and Roy Holmes of Santa Cruz; his daughter, Kimberly Denise Frasier of Riceboro, his sister and brother-in-law, Monique and Patrick Jones of Santa Cruz, and his sisters, LaTaucha Holmes and Janet Holmes both of Baton Rouge. He also leaves his nieces and nephews: Cameron, Haley, Charlie, Passia, Darius, and Malcolm, along with many loving aunts, uncles and extended family, including his cousin Birdie Mae Brown who is raising his daughter Kimberly. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Doretha Wynn who was affectionately known to her family as "Titta." The service will be held at First African Baptist Church in Riceboro, Georgia on Saturday, December 18, beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at the First African Baptist Cemetery. A trust has been established for Tyrone's daughter Kimberly. For those wishing to contribute, please make checks payable to Kimberly Frasier and mail to 111 Quarry Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.