James Howard Dawkins Sr.

James Howard Dawkins, Sr. was born on April 10, 1937, to the late James H. Modell and Bessie Kate Dawkins of Forest City, NC. He is the eldest of four children from their union. He departed his earthly life on January 23, 2026, to be at rest with the Lord. 

James graduated from Carver High School in Spindale, NC. In 1956, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country for four years. He earned his barber license from the Tri City Community College in Philadelphia, PA. He was a barber for over 50 years, and during his tenure he cut hair for generations of families and trained many young individuals to be barbers. He was also co-owner and a ‘master barber’ at QCuts and Southside Barbershop in Spartanburg, SC. 

In 1968, he was united in holy matrimony to Tinnie Hooker. To this union they were blessed with four beautiful children. 

James was an active member of New Bethel Independent Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and President of the Brotherhood and was a member of the Bethelaires Mass Choir. He was a powerful mentor for numerous young males during his lifetime. He was a former President of the Willing Workers of the Doggett Grove Community, and a member of the Southside Lions Club in Spartanburg, SC. He also mentored young boys at Mary Wright Elementary School in Spartanburg, SC, and Forest Hunt School in Forest City, NC. Additionally, he sang with several musical groups including the Telenaires, Spirit of 67, and Men of Spirit.

He enjoyed going to Bible Study and to the Rutherford County Senior Center. He also loved to sing and spend quality time with his family. He had a fun, endearing nickname for many of his friends and family members. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards, shooting pool, and ‘running’ his dogs!

He leaves to cherish his legacy: a loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Tinnie Dawkins, of the home; three sons: Minister James Dawkins, Jr. (Dr. Aleata), Clinton, MD; Minister Eric Harris (Andrea), San Diego, CA; J. Stanley Harris (Mercedes), St. Louis, MO; two special sons: Reggie Shelton (Sheneka), Spartanburg, SC, and Deric McNeill (Danniene), Greensboro, NC; three daughters: Dr. Rowena Dawkins, Winston-Salem, NC; Dr. Artina Dawkins, Lexington, NC; Dr. Beth Kara Dawkins, Charlotte, NC; four granddaughters: Brianna, A’Maya, Asha, and Kai; six grandsons: James III, Darius, Cameron, Eric Jr., Chris, and Shawn; and great grandchildren. Two brothers: William “Chib” Dawkins, Philadelphia, PA and Theodore “Dudley” Dawkins, Oceanview, NJ; two sisters: Comelita Harris, Philadelphia, PA, and the late Mary Helen Butler, Clinton, MD; four special godchildren: Willie and Precious Gholston, Jaleeca Davis, and Tevin Hamilton; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to William “Chib” Dawkins and Comelita Harris who traveled to NC and dedicated their time to assist with the care of their brother for the last weeks of his life. James was surrounded by love, compassion, and care from numerous family members and friends during his last season on Earth. 

Services will be held at New Bethel Independent Church on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1pm.