James Arthur Harrington

James (Buddy) Arthur Harrington was born on January 27, 1946 in Martin County, NC. He was born to the union of James Henry Harrington and Roxada Battle. He was the ninth of 16 children. James attended Bethel Union High School in Bethel NC. In 1969, he was drafted in the United States Army and entered into service at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He completed both Basic Combat training and Advanced Individual training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he stood out as an Expert Rifleman. He deployed to the Vietnam War and served one tour from December 1968 to July 1969, where he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart Medal. James was honorably discharged in June 18, 1970. Among his awards and decorations were the the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Expert Rifleman Badge. On August 31, 1972, James married the love of his life, Kerry Nadine Carter. From this union came three daughters, Nakia Kali, Myesha Jani, and Jamila Aki. In 1989 the family relocated from Wyandanch, NY to Rocky Mount, NC in order to realize James' dream of having his own printing company. He founded Harrington Business Forms with his wife, Kerry, by his side. Staying true to form, he continued to set himself apart in business. Harrington Business Forms was recognized as the largest minority printing business on the East Coast and was awarded the largest set-aside contract ever awarded, at that time, by the US Government Printing Office. James used Harrington Business Forms and later Grecian Enterprises to positively impact both his family and community. James retired from printing in 2010. Following his retirement, he devoted the rest of his life to caring for Kerry during her brief illness and enjoying his family and friends. James was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Kerry Carter Harrington; eight sisters, Dorothy Mae Bennett, Lucinda Marie Harrington, Janie Gray, Thelma Ann Harrington, Syliva Ross, Lurlean H. Whitehead, Delois Harrington, Janice Faye Harrington; one sister-of-the-heart, Sadie Belle Scott; one brother, Henry Earl Harrington; one special nephew Clifton Harrington; one daughter, Charlene Ross; two grandsons, DaShaun Slater and DaMonte Bailey. James leaves to cherish his memory five children Nakia Harrington-Fowler (Raymond Fowler), Myesha Harrington-Moore (Lamont Moore), Jamila Harrington-Wilkerson (Ian Wilkerson), Terri Harrington Smith and son, Terry Bailey; nine grand children, Diaydra Laniece, Jamila Jani, Terry Lamar, Nadira Imani, Jettison-Okal, Braylon Lamont, Cameron Sean, Phoenyx Haven, Ata Abeyomi; one great-grandchild, Richard Amir; six sisters, Sarah Taylor, Selma Purvis, Magalene Chance (Johnny Chance), Ida Ruth Chance (Melvin Chance), Ada Pearl Harrington; one brother, Simon Earl Harrington Sr. (Diann); special nephew, Jerry Harrington. He also leaves with loving memories many nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 7/16, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 7/17, 1:00 pm