James C. Oliver Sr.

A CELEBRATON of the LIFE of JAMES CORDELL OLIVER, SR. SUNRISE FEBRUARY 18, 1942 – SUNSET AUGUST 7, 2023 James Cordell Oliver, Sr. ("J", “Jimmy”), age 81, the 4th child of the late Cordell Oliver and Louise Baxley, entered eternal rest with the Lord at his home with his wife on August 7, 2023. Jimmy was born in Girard, GA (Burke County). He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Girard, GA. Jimmy attended public schools and graduated from Girard High School with additional skills of certification in automotive mechanics in 1960. Immediately following graduation, he headed to St. Louis, MO, with a full scholarship to enroll in a vocational automotive mechanics program, where he received his professional certification in automotive mechanics in 1961. Jimmy moved to New Haven, CT. in 1963 and in 1964, he started working for Mike’s Service Station on Goffe St. in New Haven. In December 1967, he and his brothers Charles and Henry purchased Oliver Bros. Texaco Service Station on the corner of Bassett and Dixwell Avenues, where they became one of the best-known service stations in the city. He loved working on cars and even worked on Varick's multiple vehicles. His most prized cars were a classic 1970 Lincoln and a 1964 Mustang. In 1971, Jimmy met the love of his life, Natalie Ann Perkins in New Haven, CT. They were wedded in holy matrimony on June 19, 1976, by Rev. Harold A. L. Clement at Varick A.M.E. Zion Church, New Haven, CT. Jimmy was an avid professional bowler, scoring many perfect 300 games, and was inducted into the Connecticut State Bowling Association's Hall of Fame in 2007 for his bowling ability. He had many bowling rings that he loved to wear, and he had a story to tell for all of them. To cherish his memory, Jimmy leaves behind his wife, Natalie, and three children, James C. Oliver, Jr. of Virginia, Tonya R. Wells (Donald Myers, deceased) of Florida, and Dr. Natikca Nicole Robinson (Kenneth) of Virginia, two brothers, Henry Oliver of Connecticut, and Attis Oliver of Florida, four sisters from Florida, Annie O. Godbee (Leo, deceased), Annie Louise Oliver, Lucy Williams (Louis), and Barbara Jean Oliver. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Rev. Phillip R. Agee (Beverly) of Bridgeport, CT, sister-in-law, Marilyn Perkins-Narcisse (Larry, deceased) of Hamden, CT, godson, Ryan Sands of Orange, CT, one living aunt, Josie Mae Chandler of Oak Park, MI, 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jimmy was predeceased by brothers Charles Oliver (Lillian) and William Gilbert.

James C. Oliver Sr.

February 18, 1942 - August 7, 2023