Deacon James Quattlebaum, Jr.

James Quattlebaum Jr. was born on May 20, 1931, to the Late James and Wilhelmina (Dublin) Quattlebaum in Chatham County of the red clay hills of Savannah, Ga. where James' early education was in the Savannah public school system, but left to help his father and Uncle Samuel in their roofing business. James was the 5th oldest of ten, but the oldest male child.

James had an eye for the finer things in life and kept busy making money by shining shoes on the streets, as well as sang and played in Daddy Grace & Father Divine's church bands. In wanting to explore other options at a young age, his mother allowed him to leave with his cousin, the late Joe Quattlebaum, to travel to New York City to live with his Aunt Ruthie. During their stay in NYC, they both worked at a restaurant and later at a cleaners.
To purse bigger financial gain he journeyed North to Albany, NY where he stayed with his late Uncle Henry and late Aunt Elizabeth "Easy" Harris and secured a job at Roxy's Cleaners with his Uncle Henry assistance. While at Roxy's Cleaners, James was able to talk the owner into letting him be a presser, thus increasing his salary. He also worked for Paul's Cleaners, which he ran when the owner went on vacation, GE, managed/operated a bar named Kittles, had started 3 bands, and retired from NYS – OGS as an electrician after 25 plus years.

James' passion for music was on display when he and his family members, Levi, Louis, Nat and Bernard (Bee) Holmes formed the group called the Capitaloteers. The group traveled up and down the Hudson Valley corridor, released a record, performed back-up for Jackie Wilson, sang at the Apollo amateur night, and had a recording contract waiting to be signed, but unfortunately declined due to they would have to perform on the beginning of the Sabbath.

The band eventually broke up, however James continued his musical pursuits and formed his own band with musicians, Joe Dixon,Fonzel, Gibby, and Age Harder. James met the late Louise "Jocabed" Holmes as a youth in Albany, NY and later while in HS courted her, taking her to concerts, shopping trips, movies plays, and dances. They solidified their love for each other in a union of matrimony on July 9, 1955 and their love lasted for sixty years.

From this union were born three daughters: Debra, Linda and Lisa, along with a blended family of James' three children: Larry Quattlebaum, Shrilena Quattlebaum Smith, and the late Theresa Quattlebaum Moore.

James was adventurous and loved to travel. On holidays and weekends, he would travel with the family to amusement parks and visit family.

James's life was spiritually centered at an early age and was baptized in
Savannah, Ga under the tutelage of Evangelist Z. V. Deans. James has been a faithful member and a willing worker in all his church homes.

Over the years his church work has included 8th Tabernacle Beth El, Albany, NY as Chairman of the Trustee board, and head bass in the choir. He also part of a committee in securing funds for the purchase of Tabernacle edifice. He helped beautify the Tabernacle by painting, cleaning, installing electrical and lighting fixtures repairs, and donated varies furniture items. Deacon Quattlebaum also hosted game nights for the Miami saints with his wife in their Delray Beach home.

His hobbies included singing, pinochle, checkers, watching old western movies and spending time with his family and friends.

On Tuesday June 24, 2019 Deacon James "Jimmy," "Jr." Quattlebaum took his last breath and crossed over to see his parents, siblings, other family members and close friends who preceded him in death along with his beloved wife Louise. Many people's lives were touched by James effervescent take on life. We will always cherish those memories.

He leaves to mourn his passing, children: Larry (Albany, NY), Shirlena, (Detroit, Michigan), Debra (Albany,NY), Linda (Delray Beach, FL) and Lisa (Schenectady, NY); Grandchildren: Mark and Stephen Johnson, Israel, Naheem, and Nine Quattlebaum and Micah Qu. Lewis; his siblings Rosalee Lewis, Simuel Quattlebaum and May Ellen
Quattlebaum; and his Pinochle buddies Elder Lloyd A. Person and Bro. Eugene Dudley along with many family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 from 11:00 am to 11:50 am at Macedonia Baptist Church, 26 Wilson Ave., Colonie, NY. A Service will be held at the Church at 12:00 pm. Interment will immediately follow the Service at Memory Gardens, 983 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Albany.

Condolences may be emailed to miami.fl@cogasoc.org or mailed to Debra Quattlebaum, 8 W. Pieter Schuyler Ct., Albany, NY 12210.

Flower arrangements may be sent until July 8, 2019 to: New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, NY 12205.