Mr. James Tate, also known to the people of the Eastern Shore as Shore Chimney Sweep for over 35 years, departed this life Jan. 24, 2021.
He leaves to mourn, his wife, Gloriana Tate, of 54 years; son, Richard Tate, and wife, Pamela; daughters, Atiya Tate Mosely and Tereasa Tate; brothers, sisters, three grandchildren, and countless other relatives and friends.
James was a highly intelligent and ambitious man who acquired many skills over his life from the military, from operating machinery to driving tractor trailers, from working at Bayshore Concrete to starting his own business as the Shore Chimney Sweep. He performed his job with pride and joy knowing he was providing the best services for others, bringing smiles and comfort to his clients. His strong work ethic was demonstrated by the evidence of the many repeat customers and friends he made along the way. There were countless times he could be heard laughing and talking with his customers as he scheduled appointments. If you didn’t know he was talking to a customer, you would have thought he was talking to his brother or sister, but his family came to learn he had made yet another friend.
The love, kindness, consideration, and echoes of his laughter will live on in his family’s hearts and memories. James was truly a wonderful husband, provider, and best friend to Gloriana Tate as they made it up to their 54th anniversary of marriage this past Nov. 18. James was very content and thankful to see that his great parenting skills alongside his wife’s, had been instilled in their children to become successful. James loved all his family and friends by being there for them in every way that he could. James loved God and served him faithfully whether within the church home or outside of the church’s doors, as he spent many years at African Baptist Church then moved on to join Keller Church of Christ, continuing to serve God.
The family of James Tate would like to thank each one for their many acts of love and kindness during his sickness and through the bereavement of their loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, and friend.