James Claud was born April 11, 1941 in the environs of the rural Southampton County community of Branchville, Virginia to the parents of the late Guy Franklin and Viola Rogers. He was the youngest son of thirteen brothers and sisters (7 boys, 6 girls) and a special sister Gwendolyn.

In 1963, he met and married Emma Jean Allen and to their union were born three (3) children,

James worked as a Farmer until he moved to Suffolk and worked for the CSX Railroad until disability and retirement. He then moved to Portsmouth and joined Ebenezer Baptist Church family and served faithfully as long as he was able. He was an usher and a member of the Crusaders serving as President for numerous years.

He leaves a loving legacy of love, faith and courage. He was a devoted father who thought more of his family than himself. He exhibited extraordinary courage in facing the challenges of life. In 1989, he met and married the love of his life, Pearlie M. Smith.

In addition to his parents, James was also preceded in death by his sisters; Naomi, Gabriella Turner, Sudie Barnes, Doris Moody, Lila Hayes and Lula Worrell, his brothers; Frank Guy Franklin, Webster, Oliver and Obadiah Claud.

Left to mourn his passing, but to cherish many memories, his beloved wife Pearlie, four adorable daughters; Sonja (Haywood) Kearney of Suffolk, VA, Crystal Hoskie of Hampton, VA, Cynthia Smith of Norfolk, VA and Cathy (Vincent) Davis of Virginia Beach, VA two sons; Anthony (Janice) Claud and Obadiah (Stephanie) Claud of Portsmouth, VA; 11 grandchildren, 8 great grand children, one brother, Isreal (Carrie) Claud of Suffolk, VA and one sister, Gwendolyn Gurly (Thea) of Bronx, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.