James Lorenza ‘Diamond James’ Faulkner

Posted on August 11, 2021

James Lorenza “Diamond James” Faulkner went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 31, 2021, following a brief, but painful, battle with cancer.

He was born on May 4, 1947, to Juanita Dubose Faulkner and Chandler (C.L.) Faulkner. 

He was preceded in death by both parents and a sister, Pat.

He is survived by: his wife of 19 years, Lisa; 14-year-old granddaughter, Bella Ellison; grandson, Alek Titan Parker; sister, Marilyn Pickles; stepdaughter, Kera Ellison Parker (Shawn); and unofficial daughter/fishing partner, Amy Cope.

His granddaughter Bella (“Bug”) was the love of his life, the light shining in his eyes, his world. 

James also loved fishing, cooking for friends and telling jokes or funny stories. He was a Baptist by faith.

At age 12 he walked from Jacksonville to Perry, where he spent the rest of his life.

James lived a full life. He worked! He started in the log woods not long after he got to Perry with his Grandpa Dubose, who also taught him the love of fishing, leading him to a career as a commercial fisherman and sometimes crabber. 

James wore many hats as far as work goes. He was a certified pipe welder/pipefitter who worked on Naval ships, in nuclear power plants and many other places around the country bringing him home with some story to tell.

He worked with Florida Woodlands building roads and clearing properties all over North Florida. Most particularly, right here where he lived, in Leisure Retreats as well as the Yates Creek and Ocean Pond area. 

He worked for Big Bend Marine where he initially had the job of finishing out the inside. All of the wood trim and wall/doors that sit behind Mrs. Morgan’s desk – James built that! 

After a brief illness about 16 or 17 years ago, he started Faulkner Lawn and Maintenance, which will continue to operate to his standards.

He was a longtime member of the Perry Elks Lodge and we will honor James’ life there on Thursday Aug. 12, at 4 p.m. 

We will be there until 7 p.m. that evening, so come at your convenience.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a plant be given for a memorial garden planned in James’ honor.