James H. Wilmore

On Sunday, October 19, 2025 James Henry Wilmore moved into the peace, joy and security of a place spoken of in St. John 14. The place had already been prepared for him by Jesus. There he was assured (as in Revelation) of no more sickness, sorrow, pain, death, and suffering - only happiness, fulfillment and life everlasting in the presence of his Heavenly Father. The earthly transformation into a richer, more peaceful life occurred at 5:30 p.m. in Charlotte, NC at Novant Presbyterian Health Center, 200 Hawthorne Lane.

James Henry was the youngest son of two brothers; Horace Emmanuel, Edward Louis, Jr., and a sister, Margaret Ann; born to Edward Louis Wilmore, Sr. And Arlene Billings Wilmore. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and daughter.

At early age he united with the Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Elder T. W. Samuels.

He attended Charlotte - Mecklenburg Schools, graduating from Harding University, Class of 1969. His athletic skills earned him a basketball scholarship to Evans College in Gastonia, NC, and affiliate of Biscayne Southern College which closed in 2007.

On September 18,1972 he married his childhood sweetheart Arlene Ratliff. To this union one child was born, Laonya Nekeba Wilmore, who was the joy of their lives. They experienced a great loss in her demise, February 23, 2021.

James Henry was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Okinawa, Japan and Northern California.

During the course of his working career, he worked at several Fortune 500 companies.

He is survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Alice Wilks Wilmore Charlotte, NC; several nephews, nieces and cousins in North Carolina, Maryland, Philadelphia and New York City. A special friend (ex-wife), Arlene R. Wilmore of Charlotte, NC. Extended family members at the Veterans Hospital Residency in Salisbury, NC, where he was a resident patient.