James Leon Witcher, prayer warrior, brother, and friend, peacefully departed this life on June
2nd, 2023, in Columbus Oh. He was 78 years old. Entering this world in Sharples, West Virginia, James
was born on May 12, 1945 to William and Ida Mae Witcher as the second of 8 children. At the age of 10,
James’ family moved to New Jersey, and finally ended in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 16. Growing up,
James always favored the color red, as evidenced by his red cowboy hats he used for Cowboys & Indians,
and his red long johns as he pretended to be a Superhero. James always had a very creative imagination,
and entertained others by his spectacular Solo performances. He was a jokester, and had a superb gift of
picking unique treasures for himself and others.
James was extremely generous and caring, and he
strategically trick or treated in the wealthiest of neighborhoods, only to return home to share his treats
with his siblings. James’ large burlap bag was always an exciting symbol during the Christmas Holiday
for the unique treasures he collected for each and every family member.
As a young adult, James dedicated his work life to Mount Carmel East as a Nurse’s Aide and in
the Dietary Fields accumulating 40 years of devoted service. James proudly maintained a very intimate
and personal relationship with God. It wasn’t unusual to catch James in fervent prayer as he
continuously sought direction and guidance from God. James completed Enon Bible School and received
his Doctorate and Ministry License. Eventually, James became a member of Church of Christ, followed
by Higher Ground, and Triedstone Baptist alongside his loving brother, Reverend Ellis Ray Witcher.
James led a very tranquil, frugal, and solitary life – in his free time, you could likely find James
thrifting for unique treasures and extraordinary finds – items that he proudly collected or gifted as an
extension of his bestowing spirit. And when James wasn’t thrifting, you could likely find him at Golden
Coral enjoying buffet meals with his beloved Brother Ray, as they entered Golden Coral likely dressed in
Cowboy boots (James) and a fancy hat with matching cane (Ray). James was unique in everything he did,
from being a Tailor and artist, to an inventor of games, and a crafty poet.
Asked to express our Beloved James in one word, and you’d likely respond with: Unique. This was
James’ favorite word, which accurately and beautifully describes the special bond he had with each one
of his siblings. It also describes his relationship with God, and his outlook on life.
Our unique and heavily loved Brother James is preceded in death by his parents Bishop
William Ford Witcher Sr., Mother Ida Mae Wither, Sister Patricia Ann Witcher, unnamed Baby Boy
Witcher, William Ford Witcher Jr. Brother Ellis Ray Witcher, and Brother Curtis Eugene Witcher.
Left to remember him in love are Sisters Joyce Elaine (Norman) Jones, and Sheila (Bob) Waters, a host of
nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, Cousins, Aunt Betty Cooper, Aunt Eleanor Cooper,
Aunt Naomi Epps, and close friends.
Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, June 17, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).
Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.
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To The Entire Family You Have My Deepest Sympathy!