Obituary for James O. Childs Sr.
James O. Childs Sr., 77, of Harrisburg, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on October 17, 1942 in Steelton and was the son of the late Otha Childs and Cora (Claiborne) Gains.
He was a member of thee Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 20 Locust St., Steelton PA 17113, where he formerly was a Deacon.
James graduated from the former William Penn High School where he was on the championship half mile relay and one-mile relay teams. He also graduated from Shippensburg University, earning his B.S. degree in Business Education. At Shippensburg, he was on the track and field team as well as the football team and he went All-State on both. After graduating from Shippensburg, James became a typing teacher at the former William Penn High School and became the first African American Football Coach at William Penn. Later James became the Director of Harrisburg Alternate School and a typing teacher at Harrisburg High.
He was a member of the NEA, PSEA, and HEA as well as a former member of the Lodge 43 Prince Hall Masons.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle and going to the shooting range.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Walker, a brother, Alfred Childs and a stepfather, Willie Gains.
James is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Janice D. (Carter) Childs; five children, Alesia Childs of Philadelphia, Denise Childs of Philadelphia, James O. Childs Jr. and his wife Jennifer of OR, Nicole Manning and her husband Eric of Middletown and Chamayne Jones of Harrisburg; four grandchildren.
A tribute to his life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 20 Locust St., Steelton PA 17113 with the Rev. Nathan Brown officiating. Viewing will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church.
Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in James’ name may be made to the American Cancer Society.
The Matinchek Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Middletown, have been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
He was born on October 17, 1942 in Steelton and was the son of the late Otha Childs and Cora (Claiborne) Gains.
He was a member of thee Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 20 Locust St., Steelton PA 17113, where he formerly was a Deacon.
James graduated from the former William Penn High School where he was on the championship half mile relay and one-mile relay teams. He also graduated from Shippensburg University, earning his B.S. degree in Business Education. At Shippensburg, he was on the track and field team as well as the football team and he went All-State on both. After graduating from Shippensburg, James became a typing teacher at the former William Penn High School and became the first African American Football Coach at William Penn. Later James became the Director of Harrisburg Alternate School and a typing teacher at Harrisburg High.
He was a member of the NEA, PSEA, and HEA as well as a former member of the Lodge 43 Prince Hall Masons.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle and going to the shooting range.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Walker, a brother, Alfred Childs and a stepfather, Willie Gains.
James is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Janice D. (Carter) Childs; five children, Alesia Childs of Philadelphia, Denise Childs of Philadelphia, James O. Childs Jr. and his wife Jennifer of OR, Nicole Manning and her husband Eric of Middletown and Chamayne Jones of Harrisburg; four grandchildren.
A tribute to his life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 20 Locust St., Steelton PA 17113 with the Rev. Nathan Brown officiating. Viewing will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church.
Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in James’ name may be made to the American Cancer Society.
The Matinchek Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Middletown, have been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.