Our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and dear friend James Artis (affectionately called Papa) was born on August 14, 1928, to the union of Henry and Almeda Artis in York, Alabama. He was the seventh of nine children. He departed this life on Sunday, August 20, 2017. James was an inspiration on how to live your life with his wife of nearly seven decades by his side. The union of James and Hattie was blessed with four sons James Artis, Ronald Artis, Kevin Artis and Kenneth Artis and five daughters Mary Johnson, Carolyn Mae Artis (LuLu), Diane Brown, Yvonne Hancock and Michelle Anderson all of whom he loved very much. He accepted Christ at an early age and later joined the Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Lloyd C. Williams. James joined the Ford Motor Company in 1958 and worked as a loyal and dedicated employee. He retired as a welder after 30 plus years of service. He instilled in his children the importance of an education and strong work ethics. The joy of his life was his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. James and "Hattie B" as he affectionately called her, loved family gatherings. If you knew him, he loved to play cards. After a good meal, a game of poker was the highlight of the family gathering. Don't turn your head as you might come up missing a few coins. He has a great sense of humor and his laughter was unforgettable. James was preceded in death by children Ricky Arts; Jennifer Artis and Carolyn Mae Artis (LuLu); grandchildren Ronald Artis (Bunna) and Andre Ronnell Artis, Sr.; siblings Alice King, Ella Jane Knolls, Mattie Franks, J. W. Artis, Jerry Artis, Joseph Artis and Henry Lee Artis. James leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife Hattie B. Artis (Preston), children: James Artis, Mary Johnson, Ronald Artis (Michelle), Diane Brown (John), Yvonne Hancock (Gary), Greta Ward, Michelle Anderson, Kevin Artis and Kenneth Artis; siblings Reola Hunt, Alice Wallace (John) and Ollie Artis; sister in law, Carol Artis, 27 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and friends whom he cherished as family Pia Washington, Greg Webb, Harold and Brenda Rockwell, Jimmy and Jennifer Truitt. James will also be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends whom all loved him dearly. Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at the Zion Global Ministries - West Chester, 9180 Cincinnati Columbus Road, West Chester (45069). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232. To share a memory of James or leave a special message for the Artis family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Artis family. Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

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