James “Suga Pie” Weldon Denton was born on April 11, 1935 in Hallsville, Texas. He was the 7th child of Axim and Elza Denton. Growing up on acres of land owned by his family, he cultivated an unparallel work ethic and a love of the great outdoors that would follow him for his entire life.
After spending his early years at Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Galilee High School, in the Hallsville public school system, he continued his secondary education at Tennessee A&I University, majoring in Business Administration. Upon relocating to Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Denton added to his accomplishments the addition of three lovely children, Nicklas J., Miklos F., and Dyon V.
Early during James’s life, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in the Mt. Pleasant Creek. He was a faithful attendee of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church until he relocated to Columbus, Ohio. In Columbus, he continued his faithful service to the Lord as a member of Macadonia Baptist Church, where he served for close to 60 years. Over those six decades, he served in various capacities, including church trustee, deacon, and Superintendent of Sunday School.
During his time in Columbus, Ohio, James shared his gifts with the world through his employment at The Ohio State University hospital, Railway Express, Norfolk Western Railroads and Tico. Additionally, he pursued a career in real estate, where he attended Bliss College. Upon passing the state Board, James became a licensed realtor and for the next several years he sold and managed real estate properties.
Prior to retirement, James identified his calling to mentor and rehabilitate juveniles for the department of youth services. He dedicated 15 years to grooming and molding young minds and preparing them to reenter society and the work force.
James did not believe in resting and upon retirement he started “Denton Home Restoration,” where the motto was “you name it, we will do it.” He would use his business to continue to fulfill his calling of mentoring by training men from the homeless shelter, and other less fortunate situations, to work with him. His relationship with of these men often would go beyond business and they would become loyal friends.
In addition to managing Denton Home Restoration, James’s love for the great outdoors would bring him great joy after his retirement. His love for the great outdoors led him to spend countless hours outside tending to his yard. His beautiful flowers were always the most admired on his street and one of his most prized possessions.
On January 1, 2021 at his home, James went on to be with his Lord. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mae T. Denton; siblings, Mickey Zimmerman, A.D. (Jack), Lawrence, T.B., Haymon (Tex), Jewel (Red), and Geraldine Denton, his son Miklos Denton and his former wife Imogene Denton. He leaves to cherish his memories his children Nicklas (Tia) Denton and Dyon Denton; siblings Erma Crowder, Doris (Sis) Taylor and Elizabeth (Ann) Smith; his beloved grand and great grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and special friends.
James enjoyed sharing words of wisdom with those around, including the words he lived by, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.