James E. Nowell, Sr.

James Edward Nowell, Sr., a hard fighting soldier, transitioned from this Earthly life to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. James was born on November 1, 1946, in Gates County, North Carolina to the late Dorothy Nowell and Raymond Riddick. James attended Gates County School System. He began a Truck Driving career and relocated to Joliet Illinois with his older brother the late Herman Arthur Nowell. It was there in Joliet, Illinois where he met the love of his life, his wife of almost 50 years, the late Dareen Elizabeth Harris-Nowell. On May 2, 1971, they united in Holy Matrimony at their church, Brown’s Chapel AME. It was through this union that they gave birth to one daughter, Tamika Danielle Nowell, and one son, James Edward Nowell, Jr. Family meant everything to James, and he did not take anything for granted. James was a man that shared many words of wisdom, encouragement, and love everywhere he went. As a Truck Driver of 35 years, he shared the Gospel across the nation and in truck stops where he routinely drew a crowd of listeners. He ministered so regularly that truckers gave him the CB Handle, “Preacher.” Bro. Nowell, as he was also affectionately called, was a man of standard. He had a voice that resonated with every person that he encountered. Bro. Nowell was a humble servant, and he loved to serve wherever he went. He loved the Word of God, studied it often and shared it to all who would listen. Because of his own journey and life experiences, Bro. Nowell impacted and touched the lives of many others, young and old. He was a true example of servanthood and evangelism. Even in his weak times and shortcomings he still lifted the name of Jesus and shared encouragement to others. He was a testament of God’s love, salvation, and healing. He overcame many obstacles and told of the goodness of the Lord. Before giving his life to Christ, he was known for making people laugh and was a dancing machine on a dance floor. After giving his life to Christ, he brought those aspects with him - always lightening a somber mood and dancing before the Lord. He was known as a “Praiser”, and the man that danced on one leg. He sang with passion and anointing. His memorable songs were “Give my Jesus no reason not to hear me when I call” and “I’m a hard fighting soldier and I’m on the battlefield, trying to bring my soul to Jesus for the service that I’m in.” Bro. Nowell accepted Christ in 1980 and upon relocating with his family back to NC they joined Eaton’s Temple Holiness Church in Drum Hill, NC under the leadership of the late Dr. L. F. and Mother Barbara Eaton. He and his family later moved to Virginia and joined The New Mount Joy COGIC (FFLM) under the leadership of the late Bishop Dr. W.P. Wiggins, Sr and his wife, the late Mother Lula Mae Wiggins. Bro. Nowell served the Kingdom, his Man of God, and the Ministry and remained a member of the New Mount Joy. He was faithful over the years in multiple ministry auxiliaries there until some health challenges. Him and his wife moved to be closer to his family in Richmond, Virginia where he stayed to grow and interact with his children and grandchildren until his passing. Pop, as he was called by his family, slipped away peacefully in rest at Memorial Regional Hospital in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Bro. James E. Nowell, Sr was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, one sister, and his wife, the late Dareen Elizabeth Harris-Nowell. He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy, his daughter Tamika and son James Jr. (Paulette), six grandchildren Moniqua, Christopher (Karanesha), Sharnice, Anthony, Jaden, and Jaya, and three great grandchildren, Ma’Kai, Isla, and Nazir. Pop Nowell was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

A viewing will be held from 3p-7p in the Melvin Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home on Friday, September 6, 2024. A celebration of life will be held 12 noon, Saturday, September 7, 2024 at New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries. He will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.