The commemoration of the life of James Black, a distinguished Professional Golfer, will take place on Friday, July 14 at the United House of Prayer for All People, located at 2321 Beatties Ford, Charlotte, NC 28216. The viewing will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service, which will commence at 12:00 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by Alexander Funeral Home, Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, NC. View obituary
OBITUARY
James William Black, affectionately known as Jim Black or Black, was born May 26, 1942, in Charlotte, NC, and raised in the Brooklyn community, to the late Edward Black and Nellie Mae Barnett Black. He transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, June 22, 2023. As stated by his daughter Stephanie, “The fairways are no longer uneven.”
Bro. Black was a member of The United House of Prayer for All People since birth. He became an Elder as a young man and served as a “street preacher” who went out with the older ministers to preach the word of God. As an adult, while living in Tampa, FL, Bro. Black shared with his sister that he was driving on the highway when the Holy Ghost came upon him, and he started speaking in tongues and had to pull over due to crying uncontrollably. One thing is for sure, Bro. Black’s love for the House of Prayer was unquestionable because he would share that with anyone. He was always quick to share a scripture and used them frequently in his golf teachings.
Bro. Black attended Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him right out of high school, but he opted to play golf instead. Bro. Black was very artistic and used to draw “free-handed” frequently when he was younger. As a child, he was quiet and never bothered anyone. Bro. Black did not like to entertain questions. However, as he matured, he was a man of “many” words for his love of God and the game of golf. The last word Bro. Black uttered “Mamye” when his sister inquired, who am I before his health declined further. His family surrounded him during his final days, even celebrating his birthday on May 26 at his bedside.
Bro. Black was always willing to serve in any capacity where he could help. Amongst his family, friends, the House of Prayer, and community, he was known for his cooking skills. He sponsored community events to feed others, grilled for family functions, and occasionally sold Barbecue during Convocation season. On one occasion, Bro. Black provided ribs for the former Bishop S. C. “Sweet Daddy” Madison. He also served as a motivational speaker traveling the U.S. encouraging others in this journey.
When Bro. Black was young, Bro. Herman “Fess” Coleman, the originator of the Concert Marching Band, was the first to put a golf club in his hand in the early 1950s. From that day, he developed skills as a caddy to one who successfully mastered the gift of golf. He considered a “Gift” because he always gave God credit for his abilities. He was known for having a “sweet swing” and accounted it all to the blessings from birth to having a mother and father in his home who taught him the core values and way of life. The late Arnold Palmer gifted him his first set of golf clubs as he played in the PGA Tour with mix-matched clubs. Bro. Black first played in the United Golfers Association (UGA Tour) and later the PGA Tour. At the age of 21, in 1964, he made a mark in his first PGA Tour event, where he shot a 5-under-par 67 that put him in a tie for the lead that made him the first African American to ever top a PGA leaderboard at the end of a full round during of the Los Angeles Open.
Bro. Black was preceded in death by his parents: Edward Black, Sr. and Nellie Mae Black; son, Harry Williams; brothers: Eddie (Wallace) Black, Arthur Givens, Odell Black, Edward Black, Jr., and Johnny Black; sisters: Beatrice Black, and Helen Stokes; special niece, Barbara Crank; special brother, Alonzo Pettis; brother-in-law, Apostle Frank Barringer; special friends, Jerry “Hobo” Osborne, Willie “Peter Red” Roseboro, John Staley, and Apostle Charles T. Williams, and numerous golf legends.
He leaves his memories to cherish one sister, Mamye Barringer of Fuquay Varina NC; three sons: George Blackman of Charlotte NC, James Coonce of Santiago, Dominican Republic, and Norman Black of Tampa FL; two daughters: Shirley Bacote of Charlotte NC, and Stephanie (Alex) Black of Burbank CA; grandchildren: Greg (Bevalente) Holloway of Charlotte, George C. Blackman, Gastonia NC, Preitenna Blackman of Lancaster SC, James Bacote, Teresea Bacote, Danica Bacote, Anthony Bacote, and Joel Bacote of Charlotte NC, Devin Bradford of Palm Beach FL, Lexi Underwood of Burbank CA, Elliyah Faye Black of Tampa FL, and Kimberly Coonce Pérez of Santiago, Dominican Republic; eleven great-grandchildren; and special niece, Regina Owens; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and beloved friends to celebrate his love of life and legacy.
“In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to The First Tee of Greater Charlotte in memory of Brother James Black”.
