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Wednesday, May 7,1997 3:00 P.M.
Tabernacle Baptist Church Augusta, Georgia
Reverend Inez J. Smith, Presiding Reverend Nathaniel Irvin, Officiating

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^ Qtarks, ^Jr., was the eldest of two children born to the union of the late James L. Sr., and Richardine Starks on December 23,1924 in Augusta, Georgia.
He was a graduate of Richmond County Public Schools, Paine College and Indiana University. He did additional graduate work at Atlanta University, the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University.
He worked for thirty two years in the Richmond County School System, serving as principal of Weed Elementary School and W. S. Hornsby Elementary School. He was regarded with much respect and affection by his pupils as "Mr. Starks, the Principal." He also served as coach, teacher and director of music at Lowndes County Training School in Valdosta, Georgia. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific Theatre aboard the George F. Elliott troop transport ship.
He was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where he was a trustee and served as church organist for more than fifty years. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Ambassadors Bridge Club. He was also a member of the Georgia Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Executive Committee of the Augusta Federation of Musicians and the Daniel Field Aviation Commission. He was a past president of the Richmond County Teachers Association and the Augusta Mini-Theatre Board of Directors. He was also the first Black president of the Richmond County Principals Association.
Known and loved throughout the Augusta community as "Jimmy," he was an accomplished pianist who unselfishly shared his talents throughout his life. He started his piano training when he was about nine years old under the concerned tutelage of his aunt, Mrs. E. L. Stewart. He later studied as a

private student under Mr. Mark Fax at Paine College. During his Navy years he had an opportunity to play with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. He also played at the Wonder Bar in Atlantic City, New Jersey. After completing college and entering the field of education, music became his avid avocation. He continued to learn from local musicians and began to take part-time jobs playing in local clubs which catered to jazz. He received enthusiastic support from fans at the College Bowl Lounge, the Cellar, the Office and other sites. "Jimmy" loved music and the people loved Jimmy. The smooth and gentle sound of his music shall remain a loving echo in the hearts of Augustans everywhere.
"Jimmy" was married to the former Emma Lou Grant on June 10, 1947. The couples combination of her beautiful voice and his accompaniment was a cherished and legendary gift to the Augusta community. Musical performances by "Jimmy and Emma Lou" were the highlight of numerous festive occasions and programs...
"Jimmy" is survived by his devoted wife, Emma Grant Starks, Augusta, GA; a son , Leonard J. Starks, Spartanburg, SC; a daughter, Aliciadine Starks-Ayinla, Augusta, GA; a sister, Carrie Evelyn Starks, Augusta, GA; two beloved granddaughters, Carolyn Janet Ayinla, Augusta, GA; and Kandace D. Starks, Spartanburg, SC; a daughter-in-law, Karla Starks, Spartanburg, SC; a cousin, Emma Brassfield, Miami, FL; nephew, Freddie P. Rosario; a brother-in-law, Johnnie (Thomasina) Grant, Augusta, GA; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Grant (Johnny) Hudson, Columbus, GA; godchildren, Barbara Budnick, Terrye Thompson, Larry Mozee, Rhonda G. Madden, Patricia Johnson, Myron Jenkins, Mark Conley and John Stewart; other relatives and many devoted friends.

Order of Service

Pre-Service Music ........................... Judith Ruffin Alvin Blount

Prelude. ........................... Dr. Wanda Richardson

Processional ............................. "Abide With Me"

Presiding .............................. Rev. Inez J. Smith

Hymn. ........................................... Choir "Blessed Assurance"

Scriptures

Old Testament - Psalm 121 New Testament - 1 Cor. 4:13-18

Prayer ......................... Rev. Clyde Hill, Sr., Pastor Mt. Calvary Baptist Church

Hymn .............................. "How Great Thou Art"

Remarks Mr. Charles Smith Mr. Dennis Wilds

Mr. James Dunn Mrs. Eleanor Prince

Portrait of Life. ............................. Read Silently Music - Dr. Mark Jenkins

Acknowledgements .................. Mrs. Queenie Lawton

Trio ................................... The Fryer Sisters Accompanied by Mrs. Edna S. Morgan

Eulogy ........................ Rev. Nathaniel Irvin, Pastor Old Storm Branch Baptist Church

Recessional ........................... "Going Up Yonder"

Interment. ..................... Walker Memorial Cemetery

- Repast Tabernacle Baptist Church

C[)on't Weep
Don ' t weepfor me myfriends For all my earthly cares are gone Life on earth was my charge to keep Now my God has called me home.
I not only used my talents I taught others to do tlieir best Now Im safely home with my Father And God always knows what ]s best.
I served at schools and churches And gave everything my all Whenever anyone needed me All they had to do was call.
Now all my aches and pains are over All my worries are in the past r II just play my music in peace Safely home in heaven at last.
--Gigi Braynon Watson Atlanta, Georgia

David Butler, ST. James Coleman William Daniel
JeffKeUy Robert Murrell
Brian Prince David Prince Curtis Wilder
Trustee Board of Tabernacle Baptist Church Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Ambassadors Bridge Club Carter McDaniel Way Post 235 Paine College Class of 1948
Paine College Alumni Association Richmond County Association of Principals
Former Teachers, Students, and Staff Friends from Shiloh / M.M. Scott R. A. Dent Gospel Choir Combined Choir
We are deeply grateful for all acts of kindness shown during the illness and passing of our loved one. All deeds and words of comfort are greatly appreciated.
. .. THE FAMILY
Personal Care Was Given By Historic Denfs Undertaking Establishment
930 D'Antignac Street Augusta, Georgia
"When Only Memories Remain, Let Them Be Beautiful"