Deacon James Stapp, Sr.

Deacon James Stapp, Sr., would like to let you know that his work here is done.  He received the final call, an offer that he could not refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning.  This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus and a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time.  His new mission takes him to a place where he can watch endless games of his favorite teams, the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Braves.

Mr. Stapp is very deserving of his new home.  He was a loving family man, a great friend, and a gentleman.  He loved everyone and treated all with kindness and respect.  James was also a hardworking man who retired from Conrail Railroad after 38 years of service.  He dedicated his life to his wife and children all while serving the Lord.  He was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and served as a Deacon until he moved to Cleveland, Ohio.  James was a member of the Masonic Lodge and served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and President of the Gospel Chorus.  He was well-loved and adored.

Born and raised in Aliceville, AL, the son of Jim and Annie Jordan Stepp, James was the youngest of 10 children.  James was known for his love of sports and as a teenager, James played baseball with Mr. Sam Jethrow, his friend in the Negro League.  James also loved telling stories and making his family and friends laugh.  He was a very generous man who would always give to those in need.  He enjoyed working on cars and repairing things around the house.  James also loved animals and would feed stray dogs and cats around the neighborhood.

Upon his departure, James left detailed instructions for his wife and children to celebrate his mission here, which has now been completed: “Love each other.  Never lose faith.”

James was preceded in death by his first wife, the love of his life, Lula Mae McDonald Stapp, a son, Jerry (Shark) Stapp, Sr.; sisters, Janie Howard, Lucy Mae Dancy, Aslee Corder, Lizzy Murphy and Cynthia Stepp; brothers, John L., Verdo, Tommie L., Joe, and Frank Stepp; and his twin sister Tina, who died in infancy.

Leaving to cherish his memory are James’ wife, Sylila Walker-Stapp; children, Anna Ruth (Larry Spruill), Rev. James Stapp, Jr. (Helen), Rev. Percy Stapp (Suzanne), Mary Ann Lawson, Ella Mae McAdory, Annette Gillespie, Terry Stapp, Johnny Stapp (Kathy), Charles Stapp, Rose Stapp, Antonio Stapp (Aisha), Ruthie Walker, who took great care of daddy, and Linda (Jerome) Griffin and one grandchild whom he raised, Sherika Stapp; an aunt, Louisa Jordan Phillips, as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  A special thank you to caregiver, Diserae Powell.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 160 W. 20^th Street, Erie, PA 16502 with Pastor Floyd McClure officiating and Rev. D.F. Hunter as eulogist.  Burial will follow at Erie Cemetery.  Arrangements are handled by Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 W. 10^th St., Erie.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhomes.com.