James Everette Goodson Goggins

Mr. James Everette Goodson Goggins (Toeball) was born on July 12, 1950, in Attalla, Alabama, to the union of the late Zebedee and Mary Hale Goodson.

James confessed Christ at an early age and united with his mother at Antioch United Methodist Church, Attalla, Alabama. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio, he joined the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. After retiring and moving back home (Alabama), he united with The Fellowship Baptist Church, Gadsden, "Where Everybody is Loved", until his health began to fail.

James graduated from Norris High School Class of "1968" Go Pirates, he had the opportunity to play drums in the band where he was the best (So he told me). He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, with his favorite Uncle Curtis Hale to get a job at Ford Motor Company, where he retired with 31 years of service.

In February 1970, James joined the United States Navy, After basic training, he was to be shipped to his assignment. During his travel in the plane, he became sick with breathing problems and was sent back to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was admitted to Cleveland Clinic Hospital. During his month stay, he was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. At that time, he was told that he would not live past the age of (25) twenty-five years old. On March 24, 1970, he was given an "Honorable Discharge" without benefits. After many, many years of hearings, denials and rejections, appeals, on December 2016, Court Hearing, he was awarded 100% Disability. "God's Grace and Mercy."

In 1971, James saw a fine young lady that he asked someone who she was and where she lived and they told him. He was in "Alabama" on vacation from Cleveland dressed in his "Super Fly" outfit big hat, high heel shoes, (looking good, so he said). After meeting that fine young (so he said) the rest is history. She moved to Cleveland to go to school and in April 1981, they were united in the bonds of holy matrimony.

James was a great father to Rashad, Erica and Adrian and a great provider. He loved his family, church and friends. I would always tell people don't tell him if you are ever on my city stop by because if we are ever there we are coming by, God allowed us the opportunity to travel many states, including Hawaii and Africa living the Good Life. 

James became ill and answered the Lord's call to leave his earthly home to his eternal home on Monday, April 15, 2019.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, his brother, his sisters, and his uncles.

James leaves to cherish loving memories, his devoted wife: Saratha; sons: Rashad, Fayettville, NC, Adrian (Mechiel) Gadsden, Alabama; daughter: Erica (Deandris) Reno, Nevada; brothers: Curtis Waianae, HI, Cedric Cleveland, OH, Lakoss Wisconsin; sisters: Bonnie Sue (Arnold) Philadelphia, PA, Elaine, MaEunice (Lee) Chicago Heights, IL, Yvonne, Linda, Juanita, Faye (Tommy), Danita (Freddie) all of Gadsden, AL; Cassandra, Wisconsin; five (5) grandchildren: Justin, Jalen, Alexis, Makiyah and Amari; brother-in-law: Rev. Hersey Taylor, Gadsden, AL; sister-in-law: Elsie Coleman; Special cousin: Olen Hale, Fayetteville, NC; Special friends: Walter (Denise) Thomas, Gadsden, AL; and a host of other relatives and many dear friends. And a special sister: Sarah Goggins Penall.

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