Mr. James Francis Strickland, 90, of Stedman, passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 18, 2006, in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. He was born on July 13, 1916. He was a lifelong member of Stedman Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, Sunday school superintendent, choir member and trustee. He was a member of the Cumberland County Board of Education for several years and also served as chairman. He also served on the original trustee board of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Mr. Strickland worked with the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad as a telegrapher, was a farmer for many years and retired with the Cumberland County Tax Office. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Pearson Strickland. He is survived by his daughters, Joanne S. Blake and Jean S. Knox, both of Fort Mill, SC, Kay S. Marsh and her husband, Bill, of Stedman, Deborah S. Bunce and her husband, Maxton, of Stedman, Kim S. Weathington and her husband, Scott of Beaver Dam; sons, Jimmy Strickland and his wife, Sara, of Charleston, SC, and Craig Strickland and his wife, Huntsie, of Dunn; 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 20, 2006, at 3 pm in Stedman Baptist Church with Dr. Philip Spears officiating. Burial will follow in Fisher Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Stedman Baptist Church, PO Box 190, Stedman, NC 28391.