JAMES DUMAS SR. was born on January 7, 1935, to the Late Ervin and Wilhelmina Joiner in Daytona Beach, Florida. James graduated from New Stanton High School in 1954. While attending Stanton he was active in Woodshop. After his graduation, he was employed by Richard Overstreet where he received his trade from the Van Zante Tile Company and Fleming Tile Company. He became the first and only Black American Ceramic Tile setter in Jacksonville, Florida. He worked all over the city from Hidden Hills, Sawgrass and Marsh Landing. He took on all jobs no matter where the location was. He also taught his sons his trades. He did a lot of work with Fleming Tile Co. He established his own business "James Dumas Tile Company". Before retiring he loved bowling and became a champion bowler.

In 1955, after Wilhelmina Thomas's graduation, James and Wilhelmina were married, and with that union they gave birth to three children.

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, James was called home to be with his Heavenly Father.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Erwin and Wilhelmina Joiner, grandmothers, Estella Stewart, and Christine Dumas, the mother of his three children Wilhelmina Thomas Dumas and daughter Robin Crooms.

James precious memories will be shared by his family, friends, and his loving children Valerie Y. Dumas, James Dumas Jr., Andre L. Dumas and Arthur Walker; grandchildren, Antwan L. Lee, Blake Louis, D'Anna Rushworth, Shawnee Dumas-Brooks (Derrick), Donavon J. Dumas, Deveraux A. Dumas, Simone Williams, Laila Crooms, Anya Walker, Talon Walker, Alahnah Walker and Taryn Walker; son-in-law, Gregory Crooms, and one uncle, Lonnie Stewart (Hattie); special friends, Jimmie Alvin, Lillian Brooks and Valinda Hunter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.

Mr. Dumas may be viewed on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Carthage Chapel from 4:00 p.m. Until 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, 1100 Logan Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204 and the Interment will be in Restlawn Cemetery

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 3220