Mr. James A. Price, Sr.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. -2 Timothy 4:7

Mr. James Arthur Price, Sr. passed away Sunday July 8, 2012 at his home. He was born May 30, 1943 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Calvin Price Sr. and Oressor Tyson Price.

James attended Atkins High School where he lettered in basketball, football, track and field. After graduation from Atkins, he was awarded a football scholarship to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC; where he was a member of the 1962 CIAA Championship squad and co-captain his senior year.

After graduating from NCCU, he realized a childhood dream of playing professional football. In 1965, Mr. Price signed a free agent contract to play pro football with the San Diego Chargers.

He served as athletic director and counselor at the North Carolina Advancement School in the city, and also served as a health/physical education teacher, wrestling coach and defensive line coach at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). He coached under Cleo Wallace and Bill Hayes from 1975-1979. During his tenure with Coach Hayes, the team won back to back CIAA championships in 1978 and 1979. He ended his professional career as a recreation center supervisor with the city of Winston-Salem in 1995.

Mr. Price was also inducted into three athletic Halls of Fame; including WInston-Salem/Forsyth County Sportsman Hall of Fame; Atkins High School Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Central University Sports Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Winston-Salem State University Sports Hall of Fame as a coach for the CIAA championship team. James was also a member of the North Carolina Central University Alumni Association and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Sportsmen Club.

James was a skilled swimmer, lifeguard, and taught many young people how to swim.

Mr. Price has always stated that his greatest accomplishment in life was choosing “Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.” He joined First Calvary Baptist Church at an early age and has treasured his extensive church family. He loved working with the youth of the church and participated in many church programs and activities until his health declined.

James loved his Reynolds Forest Neighborhood Community. He would help when he could and never met a stranger.

Mr. Price is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 42 years, Emma Marlin Price of the home, a daughter Penny Price Holmes of Charlotte, NC; a son, James Arthur Price Jr. of Winston-Salem; a grandchild, Kourtney Reid of Charlotte, NC, a loving sister, Dorothy Price Young; his mother-in-law, Christine L. Marlin; Brothers-in-law, Lee Anderson Smith, Kenneth W Marlin and Jackie Lee Marlin; one sister-in-law Adelaide Price, all of the city, and a host of cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers Amos Price, Nathaniel Price, Calvin Price Jr., sister, Elvenia P Smith; and Father-in-law Kenneth Marlin Sr.

Funeral services for Mr. Price will be conducted at 12 Noon on Friday, July 13, 2012 at First Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Derwin Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM at First Calvary Baptist Church.