James Wendell French

James Wendell French of Burlington, N.C. passed away on June 22, 2023. James was born in Alamance County to Mr. Johnnie J. French and Mrs. Delcie Burnett French on May 09, 1962.

He graduated from Southern Alamance High School in 1981. James was married to Mrs. Jackie Dereese (Dee Dee) Hawkins French, October 3, 1998 at New Covenant Holiness Church.

James worked for the Department of Transportation in Alamance County as a Sign Erector and retired with 31 years of service. He also worked at Western Steer for many years and as a Sales Associate at Diamond P Western Store.

His hobbies included collecting and selling antiques, Native American artifacts and coins. In his spare time he went to Estate Sales looking for his next great find. He enjoyed watching westerns and sharing stories about his horseback riding days. Prior to his illness James was always clad in his western attire (better known as one of Alamance County’s true cowboys). The last several months he spent sharing “Cowboy Sundays” with some his dearest friends and reminiscing with many of his other friends near and far.

He is survived by his wife Jackie, and mother Delcie French. Siblings are Stella Russell (Howard), Eddie French, Terry French (Carolyn) and Michelle Morgan (Charles). He is preceded in death by his father Johnnie J. French and brother Ellis D. French.

The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Sherrel and his team at the Drawbridge Cancer Center, Wesley Long and Cone Hospitals for their excellent care. Thank you to the staff and friends at Carver’s Restaurant and Yesterday’s Grill for accommodating James’ special meal requests. Thank you to the countless others that were there to help him along his journey.

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