James Oliver Givens

Mr. James Oliver Givens, Sr., age 91, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at his residence. 

Obituary

James Oliver Givens Sr. of Sanford, NC formerly of El Paso, TX transitioned to his eternal rest on Dec 24, 2025, at his home with his family by his side.

James was a dedicated and loyal husband, father, grandfather, sibling, uncle and friend.

James was born on October 4, 1934, in Belfield Magisterial District, North Emporia, Greensville County, Virginia to Peter James and Bertha Mack Givens who preceded him in death. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marian Givens Rollins and her husband, Stanley Rollins. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Willis G. Rucker Jr., George Rucker, Carrington (Pearl Deceased) Rucker, and Johnson (Shirley) (Deceased); sisters-in-law, Elsie and Rosa Rucker. 

He received his education in the Greensville County School System, graduating from Greensville County Training School in 1953. He attended Virginia State University and El
Paso Community College.

James joined the United States Army in 1957 and retired as a MSG E-8 after serving 20 years in Air Defense in 1977. He served at Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Bliss, Texas, Korea, Germany, and Fort Hood, Texas.

After retiring from the Army, he attended El Paso Community College. He then began working for the YISD as an attendance officer for the Eastwood Attendance Area where he served for 27 years. He retired in 2006.

James accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age at Royal Baptist Church in Emporia, VA. Upon joining the military, he worshiped at the Post Chapels. Upon retirement in 1977, he became an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church, El Paso, TX where he served until moving to North Carolina in July 2023.

James met Ellen Cobbs Rucker in November 1956, while attending Virginia State College (Now University). They were married on November 9, 1962, in Norfolk, VA. To this union were born two sons, James Givens Jr. and Edward Givens.

James was loved and respected by all who knew him. He leaves to cherish the memories his wife, Ellen of Sanford, NC; son, James Givens Jr and wife Rebecca; grandchildren, Isaiah James, Joshua David, and Faith Rebecca, all of Sanford, NC; son, Edward Givens and wife Amy of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Aja Rae Givens, Maya Mae Givens, and Jada Kae Givens; Edward’s children's mother Melissa Givens of Washington, DC; daughter, Felicia and husband, Von Gladden and grandson, Christopher, Waco, TX; siblings, Bertha Mary Buchanan (Peter deceased) Baltimore, MD, Calvin Givens (Deborah) Baltimore, MD, and Clifton Givens of Cockeysville, MD; brother-in-law, Alfred (Betty Jo) Rucker of Compton, CA; sister-in-law, Marie Rucker Lynchburg, VA. He also leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC