James Pervis Cason

Colonel (Retired) James Pervis Cason departed this life peacefully at home, for his new life in glory, on June 26, 2017. He was born in Anderson County, South Carolina on May 18, 1934. He was the first born of five children to the marriage of the late Reverend Willie Cason and the late Deaconess Conyers (Williams) Cason. He was also preceded in death by his four brothers: John, Maxie, David, and Joseph Cason. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 16, and joined Mount Jezreel Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. James attended and graduated from Alexandria Elementary School and Parker Gray High School. After graduating from High School, he attended West Virginia State College, serving as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, completing U.S. Army Officer Corps training, and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. James married his college sweetheart, Janice Camilla (Smith) Cason (an Educator and Entrepreneur) in 1957. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on January 19, 2017. From their marriage, they welcomed five children into their home: Steven B. Cason, Craig M. Cason, Sheila L. (Cason) Gregory, Anthony B. Cason, Sr., and Reginald J. Cason, and taught them Christian values. James was a strong and loving father who encouraged his children to do their best and to pursue their God-given purpose. After graduation from college, James was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served 30 years of continuous active duty as a Field Artillery Officer in command and staff positions in the U.S. and overseas, achieving the rank of full Colonel. He was a highly decorated combat veteran who served two combat tours in Vietnam. James earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg University. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies. James retired from the Army in 1987 and subsequently began a successful 22-year second career with the Maryland General Assembly as an Administrator and Chief of Staff. James joined the New Hope Baptist Church (NHBC), Forestville, Maryland in 1987, where he served for many years as a Sunday School Superintendent and as the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry. James was apt to teach. He regularly volunteered his time to teach Christian Leadership courses, and Deacon Ministry ordination and refresher courses for NHBC and other churches throughout the region. James was humble, friendly, and generous. He enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends, whether it was at a family gathering, a church event, a baseball game, or a vacation travel destination. James was always willing to go the extra mile to help others. He personified the motto passed down to him from his parents: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” James leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 60 years Minister Janice C. Cason; five children, Deacon Steven B. Cason (Linda), Minister Craig M. Cason (Rhonda), Evangelist Sheila L. Gregory (William), Pastor Anthony B. Cason, Sr. (Tawanna), and Deacon Reginald J. Cason (Linda); 19 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; and a host of other relatives and friends. Services will be held on Friday July 7, 2017 at Southern Friendship Baptist Church 4444 Old Branch Ave, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Visitation 10 am Service 11 am Interment: Maryland Veteran Cheltenham For any Donations : https://childrensnational.donordrive.com/campaign/JamesCasonMemorial

James Pervis Cason

May 18, 1934 - June 26, 2017