James Edward Toles was born November 18, 1937, in Boley, Oklahoma.  He was the eldest of 12 siblings born to Carl and Modena (Gordon) Toles.

James attended and graduated from Boley Public Schools.  After graduation from high school, he moved to Akron, Ohio where he met and married Rosetta Martin.  There followed the births of four children whom he loved dearly. James was a great father.

James was a faithful and active member of Arlington Church of God, holding numerous positions over the years.

He was employed by the US Postal Service.  That service was interrupted by his enlistment in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division and proud member of the Honor Guard.  Upon his honorable discharge, he resumed employment with the Postal Service from which he retired as Tour Superintendent with 34 years of service.

He enjoyed bowling, music, traveling, reading, flower gardening, and spending time with his grandson.  He was a “jack of all trades” and enjoyed doing things for others.  James was a born leader. He was an active volunteer with the Haven of Rest, Keep Akron Beautiful, Caring Communities of Summit County, and Project Grad.  He cleaned and maintained the park on Stoner and Storer Ave. He was a founding member of the National Phoenix Association of Postal Managers. He served on the board of Buckeye State Credit Union for many years in numerous positions including Board President.  He was an active member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, holding various positions including Recording Secretary, Legislative Chair, and Vice-President. His civic, and community engagement earned him many accolades including the Harold K. Stubbs award for Social Action, Volunteer of the Year for Project Grad, Character Counts! Akron Good Neighbor Award and many, many, more.

On the morning of Tuesday, July 31, 2018, James surrendered to the call of his Heavenly Father. He was preceded in death by his mother Modena Toles, father Carl Toles Sr, son James Toles Jr, and Jonathan Toles, five brothers Wayne, William Sr., Robert, Carl Jr, Eugene Sr, and three sisters Alma, Alice, and Wilma Jean.

He leaves to cherish his memory wife Rosetta Toles, son David Allen Toles, daughter Jennifer Toles, his siblings Margaret (Charles) Banks, Doris (Lenzie) Overstreet, Gloria (Elmer) LuGrand and Sharon Jama, 4 grandchildren Jacquelyn (Leonard) Remmer, Brittany, Mason and Xavier, 3 great-grandchildren Jada, Aiden and Aubrey, aunts Mrs. Edna Fitzpatrick and Ms.Dorothy Jackson, special niece and nephew Michelle and Leon Byrd, along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.