James Luther Pettiford

James Luther Pettiford was born in Granville County, NC to Luther and Virginia Pettiford. He was the second born child of this union. Vivian Pettiford Cogwell, his oldest sister preceded his death as did his other siblings, Joan and twin brothers Reginald and Ronald Braswell.

James received a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, James moved to New York City where he began working at the Department of Social Services, where he worked until he was drafted into the US Army to serve in Vietnam.

After completing his tour in the military, he returned to his position as caseworker at the Department of Social Services. James married Jacqueline Lewis, his wife of 56 years, whom he met in New York City where they both were employed at the time by the New York City Department of Social Services. Of this union, there are two children: Crystal Yeldell, MD, and Jahmal Pettiford.

James received a MFA degree from Columbia University, New York, NY. Upon completion of that degree, the family re-located to Clearwater, Florida. James began working as a reporter for the Tampa Tribune, becoming the second person of color to work there. James enjoyed writing and while he preferred creative writing, he found great joy in covering the local news in Tampa.

James was always a champion for fairness and believed that the rights of all be recognized, so he subsequently became the State Field Director of the Florida State Conference of the NAACP Chapters.

After completing his work with the NAACP, James began work with the Pinellas County Personnel Office a Personnel Specialist, this position subsequently led to him becoming the Chief of Community Services, Human Relations Department for the City of St. Petersburg, Fl.

James had a strong desire to relocate to his home state, so in 1980, he was hired by the City of High Point Human Relations Commission as the Director of Human Relations. James worked in this capacity, until his retirement in 2003. James loved this role because he was able to mediate complaints of unfair treatment and discrimination and provide prevention programs to improve civil and human rights.

James was a vociferous reader and loved fiction as well as non-fiction. He was also an avid listener of music and spent most of his spare time doing creative writing for his own enjoyment. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

James leaves to mourn his loving wife, Jacqueline, his two children, Crystal Yeldell, MD, (Brian) of Bowie, MD, and Jahmal (Sharon) Pettiford of Kernersville. His four grandchildren; Morgan Yeldell, Natalie Pettiford, Gabrielle Yeldell and Brice Pettiford and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We will greatly miss hearing his opinionated thoughts, though always well-reasoned and thought out.

Online condolences may be made at SechrestDavisphilllipsavenue.com