James Allen Edrington was born August 19, 1963 in Chester South Carolina to Robert Gilmore and Mary Ann Edrington. He attended the Winston Salem Forsyth County public schools and was 1982 graduate of West Forsyth.

During his high school years he was very athletic and considered one the best basketball players the area. He received many accolades during the 1981-1982 years which included, WS Chronicle Player of the year, all conference MVP player, a member of the 1981-1982 Central Piedmont State Championship team and West Forsyth High Schools MVP. He was considered a "Bad Boy" on the court.

Mr. Edrington was a giving and patient man. He loved and served his community until his last days on earth. He fed the community and had a kind heart for all who may have needed it. He would tell you to go in take as much home as you needed. Then give you a big ole smile.

As much as he loved the community he loved Christ more. He started Christ Unity Church in the Raleigh NC community where he would fellowship with the homeless and people who struggled with mental health and substance abuse. He was a faithful member of the Life Church, High Point, NC

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandmother Gussie and brother Eugene Edrington. He departed this life Saturday August 2, 2025 at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

James married Denita and was the happiest man that I seen in a while. He spoke of how much he loved her.

He leaves cherished memories to wife, Denita, of the home; his daughter, Meika(Byron) Allen; two stepsons, Kedrick (Wanisha)McIlwaine and Corey McIlwaine; a brother, Alphonso (Elizabeth) Gilmore; four grandchildren; a host of nieces, including a special niece Iris Tonette Gilmore; nephews; sisters-in-law, Jackie Young. Patricia Covington, Roberta Jeter, Sylvia Johnson, Dekota(William) Clayton; a brother-in-law, Cedric (Shirley) McIlwaine; his godfather Larry Little; and a host of other relatives and special friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday August 14, 2025 at Shiloh Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12pm-1pm at the church. His remains may be viewed Wednesday August 13, 2025 from 12pm-5pm at the funeral home.