James Bivens

James William Bivens passed away on November 9, 2025 in New Haven, CT. He was born on October 9, 1939, in Gulledge Township, Anson County, NC, to the late Thomas Bivens and Esther Cash Bivens.

In 1958, Morine Hines was part of a guest choir singing at New Bethel Church in Moore County, NC. James Bivens attended that service with two of his brothers. James saw Morine and thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. He knew she would be his wife someday. One year later, in Rockingham, NC, across the street from a Winn-Dixie parking lot, James saw Morine walking with her sister, Betty Jean. James introduced himself and they exchanged addresses and started writing letters. As their friendship blossomed, James escorted Morine to her high school prom. On August 31, 1961, they married and settled in New Haven, CT.

He worked at and later owned Whalley Avenue Furniture and Carpet Store. He laid carpets and floors throughout New Haven County for over 40 years. He attended Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a pillar of the community. 

Family members preceding James in death include his grandparents and parents; brothers, Charles Bivens, John Bivens, Archie Bivens, Thomas Bivens Jr. and Franklin Bivens. 

James is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Morine Hines Bivens; children, James William Bivens, Pamela Arnez Bivens (Gerald Paige) and Morine Elaine Bivens (Lawrence Allston); grandchildren, Jasmine Marie LeFlore (Leonard), Brianna Renee Allston, Manuel David Allston, Jabrill Amaad Allston, Shamara Lauren Allston, Javan Paige, Xavier Paige and Jared Paige; great-grandchildren, Zoe LeFlore, Ba’Aron Allston, Isaiah Frederick, Brittany Allston and Lex LeFlore; sisters, Allene Huntley, Lorene Grant, Frankie Moore (Douglas), Mae Conwell and Alberta Bivens; brothers, Levander Bivens, Burney Bivens (Barbara), Joseph Bivens (Rosie), Larry Bivens (Janet), Nathaniel Bivens (Benita) and Christopher Bivens (Mireille Kalou); sister-in-law, Berta Bivens and a host of other family members and friends.

James was known for being an honest and trustworthy man who loved his wife and family. He was loved by many and will be missed.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 3 p.m., preceded by a visitation with the family at 2 p.m., both at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL, (904) 264-1233.

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