James C. Pettigrew II

James Christopher Pettigrew II was born on November 3, 1994, at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, to Jacqueline Saulsbery and James Pettigrew Sr. His arrival brought great excitement and from the very start, he was full of life and laughter. James was a special child, he never met a stranger, and anyone he befriended instantly became family.

James attended Sonshine Christian Academy from preschool through eighth grade and later continued his education at Mifflin and East High Schools. He had a deep love for football and proudly played for the Columbus Raiders for many years.

On October 16, 2011, James became a devoted father to his first son, Christopher Johnson. Two years later, he and Jasmine Johnson welcomed their second son, Chase Johnson. Fatherhood was one of James's greatest joys, and he loved his children deeply.

Although James's life was short, his impact was immeasurable. He touched and influenced people of all ages and from all walks of life. He had a heart as vast as the universe and was truly a gentle giant.

James was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joyce Saulsbery and Herbert Lyles, and his paternal grandfathers, Harold Keys and James Foster.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children, Christopher and Chase Johnson; his paternal grandmother, Eunice (Earnest) Daniels; his mother, Jacqueline Saulsbery; his father, James (Paula) Pettigrew Sr.; his sisters, Martina Gibbs Dowdy and Jazmen Pettigrew; his godmother, Michelle Brown; and his godfather, Kevin Griffin-along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins as large as armies, and friends the size of the galaxy. James truly loved family.

Though our hearts are heavy, our spirits are comforted by God's promise to never leave nor forsake James, while always holding his hand and his heart.

John 14:1-3

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would not have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."