- Date Of Birth: March 15, 1940
- Date Of Death: July 19, 2020
- State: California
James Edward Toney
James Edward Toney was born on March 15, 1940 to Dudley B. Toney and Lizzie J.
Christian (Toney) in Birmingham, Alabama.
James received his high school diploma from Parker High School, Birmingham, AL.
He loved music and played trumpet as a member of the school’s marching band.
While attending Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL James met Betty Jean Wil-
son. James relocated in 1963 and in 1964, sent for Betty to join him in Los Ange-
les, California. Shortly thereafter, they were united in Holy Matrimony on June 22,
1964 in Los Angeles, CA. From this union, their daughter Angela was born.
California by Father John Hanly. James’ affiliation with Transfiguration Catholic
In 1963, James received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Ala-
bama A&M University. He pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the mid-
1980’s and was an active, lifetime member; a special designation of the fraternity.
Association and 100 Black Men of America.
James was employed with Northrup Grumman and later owned and operated
Mayview Manor Board and Care Facility in Pasadena, CA. He retired in 2004.
After retirement, James and Betty moved to Palm Desert, CA. They loved traveling
together and most notable trips included: Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and Baha-
mas. James also enjoyed entertaining family and friends, reading, playing billiards,
swimming, and was an avid jazz music fan. Known by his friends as “Toney,”
James was the life of the party. He loved to make people laugh and always told
funny stories to bring a smile to people’s faces. He was an avid Raider football
team fan and was a season ticket holder when they were in Los Angeles.
In 2019, James and Betty relocated to Stockton, CA to be closer to their daughter.
Betty and James shared a relationship that was filled with love, admiration and
laughter for fifty-five years. His love and support continued until God called her
home January 2020: “My beloved is mine, and I am his:” Song of Solomon 2:16a
James departed this life on July 19, 2020. He is preceded in death by his wife,
Betty Jean Toney; his parents, Lizzie and Dudley B. Toney; brothers Dudley B.
Toney Jr. and Alvin Toney. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter,
Angela Canidate of Richmond, CA; four sisters, Bettie Andrews (Raymond), Ann
Gordon, Diana Chambliss (Raymond), Patricia Chambliss (Prince); sisters-in-law
LySandra Maddox (Robert) and Donna Wilson; brother-in-law Pervy Wilson, Jr.
(Dorothy); and a host of other family members and friends.
James Edward Toney
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The family wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, care
and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement.
May God Bless and Keep You!
THE FAMILY OF JAMES EDWARD TONEY
