It was a joyful and blessed day on November 29, 1952, when James Oliver Culbreath Jt. entered the world, bringing laughter, love, grace, and happiness to his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was born to the late James Oliver Culbreath Sr., of Gills-ville, Georgia, and Naomi Dorsey Culbreath, of Fayette County, Georgia.

James was born prematurely at the historical black hospital, McClendon Hospital, which is no longer in existence, located in Atlanta. James came into the world weighing only 3 pounds and 12 ounces. Though tiny in size, he arrived with a strong will to live. He was immediately placed in an incubator, and doctors gave his mother strict instructions for his care. Naomi faithfully followed every guideline, carefully maintaining the home temperature and feeding schedule around the clock until her "Little Man" grew stronger. Before long, because of his healthy appetite, he lovingly earned the nickname "Buster."

The family lived in Atlanta's historic Old Fourth Ward on Angier Avenue before later residing in Carver Homes on Twigg Street, Dixie Hills on New Jersey Avenue, and Gordon Road.

James attended West Haven Elementary School and enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with adventure and fun. He loved playing marbles and was known for always winning the games. His treasured "cat-eye" and steel marbles remain cherished keepsakes among the family. He also enjoyed flying kites, riding his favorite bicycle received one Christmas, roller skating, football, and baseball. James loved the outdoors throughout his entire life. Each year, he eagerly anticipated attending the Southeastern Fair and enjoyed football games at Turner High School with his beloved sister, Phenola.

Vacation Bible School was another treasured childhood memory. James especially looked forward to the fellowship, cookies, and Kool-Aid each summer. Because his father's work required frequent travel, young James often accompanied him on trips, which sparked his lifelong love for traveling and adventure.

During one memorable trip to Florida, James and his father enjoyed deep-sea fishing together.

Over the years, he traveled extensively to Chicago, Michigan, New York, Texas, Alabama, Iowa, Nevada and throughout Georgia, embracing every experience with excitement and curiosity.

James proudly graduated from Frederick Douglass High School as a member of the Class of 1970.

After graduation, he eagerly put into practice the many skills and work ethics, he learned while working alongside his father, along with the wisdom and guidance lovingly shared by his mother and older sister, Carol, who preceded him in death in 2001 from breast cancer.

Tames had a deep love for music and dancing. At family gatherings, he delighted relatives and Friends with his entertaining James Brown dance renditions that always brought laughter and joy to the room. He truly loved making people smile.

A hardworking and dedicated employee, James faithfully served several companies, including Atlanta Dairies and Georgia Institute of Technology. His last full time place of employment was with Kraft-Nabisco, later known as MONDELEZ. There the company depended on his skills to keep the production lines flowing smoothly, so the famous Nabisco products could be distributed into the world. On one occasion executives for the company flew in to meet James, because he developed away to operate a machine more effectively for them. They also appreciated his great pride in his work ethic and accomplishments. After 41 years of devoted service James retired. Because James loved being busy and working he decided to go back to work on a part time basis, for a brief time, for Manheim, an automobile auction company.

James met and married the beautiful and intelligent, Pamela Prayor and from their union came a beloved son, Prince Oliver Culbreath. Together they built a very loving family.

Although he was the youngest sibling, James became the first in his family to purchase a home a beautiful residence located in Atlanta's historic West End neighborhood on South Gordon Street.

In his later years, James was blessed to find enduring love and companionship with his wife, Valerie Armell Ross, who preceded him in death.

James was an exceptionally gifted and talented man. He was a creative thinker, a talented artist, an anointed singer, and an outstanding cook. Whatever he set his mind to accomplish, he pursued it with excellence and determination.

James was also an inventor and designed a home security device for which he intended to obtain a patent. Above all, James was a devoted Christian man who loved reading his Bible, praying, encouraging others, and living out his faith daily. His life reflected kindness, compassion, generosity, and love. He would truly give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.

James enjoyed serving his community. He coached Little League baseball and volunteered with both the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Boy Scouts of America.

In his forties, James discovered a passion for bowling. Though left-handed, he quickly mastered the sport and became known throughout the Fayetteville area as the "Lead Dog" at Fun Bowl.

He was also a member of the Tour of Duty League in Forest Park, Georgia. James bowled several perfect 300 games in both practice and competition, won numerous trophies, traveled nationally for tournaments, and proudly earned several championship bowling rings during his golden years.

One of James' greatest joys was spending time with his four beloved grandchildren: Princess, Yamani, Faith, and PJ. He took tremendous pride in supporting Princess through college as she pursued a degree in speech pathology and later a master's degree. He also loved cheering on the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta Hawks with his grandchildren. Though he never played golf himself, he thoroughly enjoyed watching it. His favorite television show was Chicago Fire, and he especially enjoyed watching classic Westerns.

James also dearly loved his pet birds, Smokey and Whitey.

He had a passion for automobiles and proudly owned several cherished vehicles, including a vintage Ford Thunderbird, a Cadillac, and his favorite, a Ford F-150 King Ranch. Every vehicle he owned was meticulously maintained and always spotless.

Another favorite pastime was what James affectionately called "going down to the casino." He loved gathering his cousin Albert, his sister Brenda, and his dear friend Virginia for exciting casino outings. He delighted in the lights, sounds, and excitement of the games. James truly embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. He also loved relaxing in his "man cave," complete with his 85-inch television and surround sound system.

James was a faithful member of Greater Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church and joyfully sang in the Male Chorus. Even when declining health prevented him from attending services regularly, he continued driving to the church faithfully to pay his tithes and receive communion.

James Oliver Culbreath Jr. lived a rich, full, and meaningful life until his peaceful passing on Sunday, May 10, 2026. He deeply loved his family and treasured every opportunity to celebrate life with them.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved son, Prince Oliver Culbreath and daughter-in-love Tyleeshia, his cherished grandchildren, Princess (Cameron) Yamani, Faith, and PJ; his dear sister and best friend, Phenola Culbreath; nephews Kenneth Davis (Margaret) and Keith Davis; niece, Tamara Bolden; great-niece, Alexandria Royster; Pamela Culbreathe, his son's mother and his lifelong and close friend, and Sisters in Love, Caroline, Tasha, Becky, and Sharon; his brother in love, Michael Prayor and special longtime friend, Artie Cobb; and a host of cousins, extended family members, church family, and friends whose lives were forever touched by his love, laughter, and kindness.