Corporal James Harold Gist Jr.

James Harold (Big Jim) Gist Jr., loving son of the late James Harold Gist Sr. and Mary Gist was born August 31st, 1949, in Fort Knox Kentucky. He was the fourth born of 9 children, Leroy, WillaMae, Bertha, Billy, Mary Ann, David, Michael & the youngest Kathy. He was a US Marines veteran and served 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam war in 1970 & 1971 where he was awarded several commendations for bravery and valor. Upon returning home from the war James continued with his 1st passion which was singing, as one of the founding members of the 1960´s and 70´s R&B group The TnJ´s out of Trenton NJ, which consisted of lead vocalist Elijah (EJ) Jones, Joe Anderson, Barry Higginbotham, Al Stroman & Greg Jamerson. The group had regional success with songs such as “She´s not Ready”, “Do Gooder’s”, “Don´t you worry about Me”, & “Falling in Love” Produced by Bunny Sigler, who produced such acts as Patti Label, The O´Jays, Lou Rawls and The Whispers just to name a few. The groups musicians included Raymond Earl (bass) Scottie Miller (drums) Kim Miller (lead guitar) and in later years his youngest brother Michael (Hootie) Gist joined the group on (percussions). Sigler later split the musicians who then formed the band “Instant Funk” they had a #1 hit single “I Got my Mind Made Up” in 1979 on Salsoul Records. After years of traveling and performing James decided to take a break from the spotlight and returned to his hometown of Trenton, NJ where he worked at Mercer Hospital for 10 years before moving to, and settling in Fayetteville NC, in 2013. James took that same passion and love that he had for music and applied it to his professional career at Cumberland County Dept. of Social Services where he was adored by his co-workers. This is also where he was introduced to his lovely wife Tracy, whom he met in 2014. After a year of dating, they decided to jump the broom, and they were married on April 25th, 2015. He departs this life, but his memory lives on, and his spirit is etched in the hearts of the following who mourn his passing; His loving wife of 10 years Tracy Gist, sons Terence Reed of Phoenix AZ & Anthony Branch of Clayton NC, his daughter Nakia Roberson of Atlanta GA, son-in-Laws, Korey (Big Oomp) Roberson of Atlanta GA and Kyle Thomas of Clayton NC, Grand- children Taj Reed of Brooklyn NY, Nakoreya Roberson, Narie Roberson, and Korey Brandon James Roberson all of Atlanta GA also a Great Grandson Noah Brown Roberson. His surviving siblings, brothers Billy and Michael Gist, sisters Willa Mae Henry & Kathy Gist of Trenton NJ, sister-in-law Margaret Gist of Trenton NJ, nephews Ronald Patman, Thomas, Robert and Gale Roy Gist, niece Detta Williams & her husband Kevin Williams, nieces Valerie Carter, Joyce Carter & Kemba Gist, Tondalaia Huger & Toni Gist of Trenton, NJ. His bonus children, Rudolph Robinson of Atlanta GA, Aubrea Green & husband Tony Green of Virginia Beach VA, Troy Shackleford of Fayetteville NC, a host of great nieces & nephews, extended family members and close friends. And last, but certainly not least, his loyal pet Pomeranian/Shitzu “Curtis.”

Corporal James Harold Gist Jr.

August 31, 1949 - April 30, 2025