James Arthur (“Artie”) Stocking, Jr.

JAMES ARTHUR STOCKING JR. was born on July 22, 1961 to Darlene and James in St. Louis, MO. He attended Ladue Horton Watkins High School where he excelled in academics and in sports, with Track and Field being his passion. Affectionately referred to as ''Artie", he held on to many of his relay and individual speed records for more than three decades. Artie never met a stranger and had a host of friends who he still associated with from his high school days, but no two closer than Armand Slaughter and Charles Mims, better known as 'Three The Hard Way!"

Artie's self-proclaimed greatest achievements were his two princesses, Karen "Nikkie" Nicole Stocking and Jasmine Yakale Brown (TJ). He was very proud of his daughters and grateful to God for the successful women they've become. James was blessed to see his legacy live on through his two granddaughters, Amilia Ziair Brown and Emery Jae Brown, who he enjoyed spending time with regularly.

Protector is who Artie was to the seven sisters he considered his "daughters"--LaVera Miller (Norman), Yvette Rockett (Derrick), Brandie Gholson, Angela Finger, Kim Clay (Chris), Theresa "Nikki" Stocking and Elaine "Peaches" Mims (Charles). Each of us had special memories of him and the wonderful advice he offered to us about love, life and how to be the women God made us to be.

Marriage: In March 2001, James met Arlene Simmons at a birthday party held at Saints Roller Skating Rink. A roll around that floor helped spark a 19 year journey of  love. They enjoyed playing cards, dancing, cooking and traveling. Their blended family gave Artie the sons he never had in Darelle Simmons and Shawn Watson. This afforded him the opportunity to have three more grandchildren, Darelle's sons, Darelle Jr. and Akio, and his daughter, Akari, along with Shawn's daughter, Sariah. One of the highlights of their time together was their most  recent  trip to Chicago,  a train  ride of love to celebrate Artie's 58th birthday.

Employment: A professional career in St. Louis began with James using his culinary skills to work at several restaurants in the area, Ozzie's being one of his favorites. Many of his nicknames came from his professional career as a DJ, "A.]. Scratch" known all over the city of St. Louis for his work on the wheels of steel. A few of his other positions included labor work, cleaning technician, quality control engineer and finally a janitorial service worker.

Church Affiliations: James dedicated his life to Jesus at an early age while attending Olivette Missionary  Baptist Church. The training he received as a child is what drew him to Christ Community Temple C.O.G.I.C., and what helped him in not departing from the faith was the love of a spiritual father in Elder Edward Moore. He encouraged, prayed for and spoke the word over Artie, which made his heart glad.  It made Artie especially proud to listen to his daughter, Nikkie, teach Sunday School. James attended church up until his sickness didn't allow it.

Interests: Artie enjoyed cooking, traveling, playing cards, cleaning, singing, dancing, working on cars and spending time with his family.

Love: Caring for your child is no easy task but Darlene Gholson had the strength that lasts! She loved her  baby 'til the very end, and that type of love doesn't stop, it transcends. Daddy's little girls grew up quickly and served graciously through this test, Nikkie and Jasmine you sweet hearts were the BEST! Last but not least your partner in life--thank you Arlene for the care you gave him as his wife.

Following a number of victories with knocking out Esophageal Cancer, James' battle with cancer in his lung and hip ended on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 7:35pm. Know that through all the medical challenges, Artie fought the good fight, did not complain and truly believed in God's salvation. God's got him now and he is completely healed!

Survivors: James is survived by his wonderful wife, Arlene Simmons-Stocking; his loving mother, Darlene Gholson and father, James Arthur Stocking Sr. (Freda); daughters, Karen "Nikkie" Stocking and Jasmine Yakale Brown (TJ); sons, Darelle Simmons and Shawn Watson; mother-in-law, Sachiko Simmons; brothers-in-law, Ron Simmons (Pamela) and Elbert Simmons; sisters, LaVera Miller (Norman), Yvette Rockett (Derrick), Brandie Gholson, Angela Finger, Kim Clay (Chris), Theresa "Nikki" Stocking and Elaine "Peaches" Mims (Charles); and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Arthur (“Artie”) Stocking, Jr., please visit our floral store.