James Tatum

James Tatum, a man of devotion, love, and dedication, was born on January 13, 1967, in Camden, Arkansas, to his beloved parents, Charlie and Jo Tatum. Growing up as one of four siblings, alongside Charlie Jr, Christelle, and Venita, James' early life was steeped in a deep-rooted passion for life's simple pleasures. From the tranquil joys of fishing to the hard-earned satisfaction of roofing, the vibrant colors of gardening, the fierce energy of basketball, and the profound warmth of spending time with his cherished wife and children, James' life was a tapestry woven with commitment and purpose. After his family's migration to Seattle in the 1970s, James graduated from Ingram High School in the class of 1986, and it was there that he imbibed the knowledge of his trade, passed down through generations from his father, Charles Tatum. With the acquired skills, James eventually carved his own path, becoming the proud owner and operator of his own roofing company. Simultaneously, he dedicated 26 years of service as a respected crew chief at the Seattle Convention Center, leaving an indelible mark on the heart of the city he called home. It was at the Rainier Beach Safeway where fate intervened, and he crossed paths with the love of his life, Charrita. Their love story, sparked amidst the mundane aisles of a grocery store, blossomed into a beautiful tale of companionship and love. They were married a year into their friendship on New Years Day, January 1, 2009. And renewed those vows in front of family and friends 10 years into their union. Together, they nurtured and raised their eight beloved children, with James instilling in them his love for fried chicken, the joy of gardening, the thrill of fishing, the exhilaration of basketball, and most importantly, the sanctity of family bonds. James' is survived by and his legacy lives on through his wife, Charrita Tatum, his cherished children, King, James Jr, Isaiah, Donald, Michelle, Lazarus, Justice, and Your'highness, his adored granddaughter Avah, his father, Charles Tatum Sr, and his siblings, Charles Jr, Christie, and Venita. While his physical presence may have departed, his spirit, love, and values will forever resonate within the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. In the embrace of eternal rest, James Tatum joins his beloved mother, Jo Tatum, and his grandmother, leaving behind a tapestry of memories and a legacy of love that will endure through the passage of time.