The world lost a bright light when James “Jamie” Paul Joyce passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2026. James was born in Greensboro, NC on December 7, 1980, to parents Violet Louise Williams Brady and James Leslie Brady.
James Joyce was one-of-a-kind. He was a man of faith, often sharing testimonies of God’s goodness and grace with all who knew him. He was full of irresistible charm and had a “larger than life” personality. He pursued many passions in life and was a true jack-of-all-trades. With a brilliant mind for mechanics, technology, and craftsmanship, James was known for being able to fix anything, whether it had a carburetor or a motherboard. But James’ true career passion came from being a skilled arborist. He had a love of tree climbing from a very young age and was never more at home than when he was high in the trees, working and admiring the beautiful landscapes that he often shared in pictures and videos for his friends and family.
Being a true lover of the great outdoors, when James wasn’t working high up in the trees, you could find him down by the water with his fishing rod. With the same tenacity James had in all aspects of his life, he became a skilled angler, often reeling in the type of whoppers that others could only dream about and claim “got away”.
James touched the lives of everyone around him and will surely be missed by his family and all his wonderful friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, Mary Etter. He is survived by his brothers, Brian Williams and spouse, Dena of North Carolina, Tony Brady and spouse, Anita of Florida, and Travis Brady and spouse, Jenn of New York; six nephews and nieces, Logan, Jasper, Stasi, Jordan, Leslie, and Echo; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to follow.
I’ve finished life’s chores assigned to me,
So put me on a boat headed out to sea.
Please send along my fishing pole
For I’ve been invited to the fishin’ hole.
Where every day is a day to fish,
To fill your heart with every wish.
Don’t worry, or feel sad for me,
I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea.
We will miss each other for awhile,
But you will come and bring your smile.
That won’t be long you will see,
Till we’re together you and me.
To all of those that think of me,
Be happy as I go out to sea.
If others wonder why I’m missin’
Just tell ’em I’ve gone fishin’
