James Albert McCloud

On Tuesday evening, February 10, 2026, at Morrison Manor in Laurinburg, North Carolina, God saw fit to transition from this earthly tabernacle James Albert (Tate) McCloud. Tate, a nickname his father gave him because of his love for Sweet Potatoes, was born in Dothan, AL on Dec. 15, 1940, to the late Thomas James and Viola Martin McCloud.

He attended and was a member of Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church, Dothan, AL. Tate loved to talk about his basketball days when he was one of the "Ten Tall Men", a historical basketball team from Carver High School. They were one of the southeast regions' most powerful high school teams. James graduated from Carver High School in Dothan, AL in May of 1958. He attended Alabama State College, Montgomery, AL and Tuskegee Institute. James was a proud member of the PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY.

In the late 1960's He moved to Newark, NJ and pursued a career in Engineering. He was certified by the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection. In January 2003 he retired from Givaudan Corp. Wastewater Treatment Plant in East Hanover, NJ. He returned to Dothan after retiring and rejoined Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church. James was an active member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, East Orange, NJ. He had such a love for sports, whether playing or watching on TV. Often, on Friday nights he could be found in the gym of St Paul working with the young boys on their basketball skills. Golf above all else was his favorite sport, and he could be found at Weequahic Park in Newark until dark, swinging his golf club. After retiring, he and other retirees would play golf two or three times a week.

James was proceeded in death by his parents Thomas James and Viola Martin McCloud. His siblings Jeanette McCloud, William Henry McCloud, Willie Paul McCloud and his daughter Brenda A. Moore.

Among those who loved him and will miss him include his companion Mary Watkins McCloud, two sons, Ernest T. McCloud (Brandi) Theodore AL and James Rodney McCloud (Christine) Dothan, AL. Two blended sons Kenneth Maurice Owens (Paige) and Richard Kendall Owens (Brandy), One Blended Daughter, Katia L. McKiver, Wescosville, PA. six granddaughters, one grandson and four great grandchildren, two nieces Sharon and Tammy McCloud, one nephew JuWan McCloud and a host of other niece’s, nephew's, relatives and friends. He is fondly remembered by his special cousin Robert McCloud Jr. (Bob). The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Ms. Cynthia Johnson for her unwavering kindness and support.

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