Obituary of James Bethea

Obituary of James “JD” Bethea 

“To Everything There is a Season”

A Time To Be Born

James “J.D.” Bethea was born January 19, 1953 in Mullins, South Carolina to the late J.D. Bethea and Ruth Gerald Bethea-Caldwell.

A Time To Be Educated

J.D. also known as Jr. received his high school education from Snyder High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. He went on to serve in the United States Army for four years. During his tour of duty, he completed Airborne School and became a part of the elite body of soldiers called Paratroopers. His determination and courage to serve his country as a Paratrooper took him from Ft. Dix, New Jersey, to Panama to Ft. Braggs, North Carolina.

A Time to Worship

J.D. was baptized at the early age of 12 at Greater Abisynah Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. He always knew that GOD had a calling on his life and provided a hedge of protection at all times. He joined Hillcrest Seventh Day Adventist Church in 1999 and renewed his faith in God. He served as a faithful member until GOD called him home.

A Time to Die

On Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 8:52 am, James “JD” Bethea left this earth at St. Luke University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

A Time to Mourn

J.D.’s memory will continue to live on the hearts and minds of his loving wife, Yolonda Bethea of Washington, New Jersey. His children, Benjamin (Chico) Brewington of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Aja Bethea of Piscataway, New Jersey, and Jamal Parker of Washington, New Jersey. His stepchildren, Noel Brewington of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Shronica Thompson of Newark, New Jersey, and Shakerah Parker of Washington, New Jersey. His grandchildren, Shakim Garner of Dudley, North Carolina, Yihana Curl, Salahudinn Curl, and Malach Curl of Piscataway, New Jersey, and Maya Parker of Washington, New Jersey.  His sister, Tracey Caldwell-Redmond (Gregory) of Chicago, Illinois.  His sister-in-laws: Gwendolyn Perry of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Diane Parker of Virginia, Gail Parker of Ft. Washington, Maryland. His brother-in-laws: Patrick Parker of Georgia, Lennel Brown of Dallas, Texas, Musa Muhammad of Georgia. He also leaves to cherish is memory the mothers of his children, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his church family.

A Time to Celebrate

A Celebration of Life memorial for J.D. will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2019 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 590 NJ-57, Port Murray, NJ 07865.

Words of comfort, acts of kindness and resolutions can be sent to the church or to this webpage