James Demetris Small, Sr.

James Demetris Small, Sr. passed away on July 8, 2024.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 from  5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 2538 Firestone Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. also at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

James D. Small, Sr., known throughout the Sweetwater community as “Jamie,” was born on April 13, 1966 in Jacksonville, FL. He was the son of the late Bernice Mills-Rainge and Luther Lee Rainge, Sr.

Jamie received his education in the Duval County Public School System. He was a skilled brick mason finisher and took great pride in his work.

Jamie never met a stranger and had an unfiltered way of communicating with family and friends. He had a great love and passion for “The Game” and enjoyed every moment spent playing with his community and others.

Jamie’s honesty and enthusiasm brought an unique energy to every interaction, making his presence memorable and cherished by  that knew him.

Jamie was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Mills-Rainge; father, Luther Rainge, Sr.; birth mother, Martha Trusty-Small; son, Devin Small; sister, Terrianne Robinson; and brother, Jimmy Rainge.

He leaves to cherish his memory: twelve children, Joshawa Small, Brittani Nicole Barnes of California, Sonya’ Noble, La’Wanda Boddie, James Small, Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Lorenzo Small of Clearwater, Jada Small of Colorado, Aubrey Mills, Thomas Helms, Cheyenne Small, Chenoa Small, Jessica Mills and Latrice Williams; sixteen grandchildren, Zakyah, Alaina, Anja, Nova, Reign, Jaaziel, Jordan, Xaiden, Lily, Paisley, Brycen, Jules, Malik Jr., Mason, Blake and Journee; nine siblings, Sonya Ray Judson, Randella Judson, Carole Stallworth, Arnissa Small-Adams (Derek), Alicia Rainge, Luther Rainge, Sr. (Louvenia), Helen Byrd of Hartsville, SC, Linda Rainge and Lakeitha McGriff (Calvin) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; five aunts, Clara Campbell (Edmond), Mae Francis Kirkland, Christine Mills-Davis, Erma Jean Kohn and Gloria Jean Mills; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including special niece, Sequoya Foster; devoted nephews, Marquis and JaKhari Wright; special great nephew, Kash; brother-cousin, Keith Kohn; and special friends, Timothy “Gator” Daniels and Warren “Kay” Kohn.

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