James "Jim" Manning, Esq., husband of Alberta Manning, was born in New Bern, North Carolina on December 2, 1938.  He was the eldest of three children born to the late James H. Manning Sr. and Alfreda Manning.  He entered into eternal rest in the comfort of his home in Oxford, PA on December 24, 2022, with his loving wife by his side. James was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system graduating from what was then called Northeast High School, today known as Edison High School.   After graduating, James enlisted in the United States Air Force and then the Coast Guard.   After the military, he enrolled in Cheyney State Teachers College, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.   James taught briefly and decided to continue pursuing his educational goals.  He enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania Law School and received his Juris Doctor in Law.  After receiving his Law Degree, he worked for the District Attorney's office under the tutelage of Judge Leon Higginbotham.  He continued in pursuit of his career goals by Clerking for both Judge Higginbotham and Judge Green. Ultimately, he found his passion in corporate law which led him to work for the Sunoco (Sun Oil) Corporation until his retirement.   After retirement from Sunoco, his career goals continued at Cheyney University where he served as assistant to Dr. Pettus, the President of the University for several years.

James accepted the Lord and realized a calling on his life.  He was a proud member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, in Coatesville, PA for many years and a faithful servant.   He was a member of the Trustee board and for many years served as President of the Trustees and worked fervently to help the church remain financially sound.  He was also very active in the community as he served as a renowned member and former President of the Brandywine Foundation along with Frances Sheehan (CEO & Founder), former Rep. Harry Lewis, and Cleo Alston (local entrepreneur).

As a member of the local Final Four Group sponsored by Mr. Earl Johnson, he worked with and played basketball and golf often with these renowned men of valor, who for many years worked together to build up young men through sports and community service projects.  His energetic spirit and wise intellect will be missed but never forgotten!

James was an amazing husband, mentor, and father.  His door was always open to anyone who needed help or advice.  Besides his loving wife, Alberta, he leaves to cherish his memories two children; Kynya Jacobus (Ralf) of Berlin, Germany, and Clinton Manning (Don) of Kensington, Maryland, and step-daughter Jan Wilkerson of Coatesville; 6 grandchildren, including Darryl Wilkerson who helped care for him; 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.   Also left to mourn him are two sisters, Mattie Abner and Marie Parker (Henry), whom he was very close to, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 819 Coates Street, Coatesville, PA. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM - 10:45.

Inurnment with full Military Honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, in Annville, PA. on Wednesday, January 11th at 12:30 PM.