James Jerrod Pierce

The legend of Dr. James Jerrod “Miguel” Pierce is a rich one. It begins with him being born on March 17, 1973, in Boston, Massachusetts to Ms. Barbara Ann Pierce and Mr. James L. Carter. James transitioned on December 19, 2022. James is predeceased by his brother (Colby Tyler) Grandfather (James Carter Sr), Grandmother (Louise Carter), Grandfather (Albert Pierce Sr)., and Grandmother (Mary Pierce), aunt (Elizabeth “Tootsie” Pierce), aunt (Arnetta Russell Copeland), uncle (Gregory Pierce), uncle (Lewis Carter), uncle (Willie Pierce), cousin (Wayne Pierce). James is survived by his father James L. Carter, mother Barbara Ann Pierce, brother Jason Pierce, stepbrother Dana Brown, aunt Rosemary Black, aunt Nida Carter, Aunt Doreen Pierce- Scott, aunt Darlene Pierce, aunt Patricia Carter, uncle Albert Pierce, uncle Benjamin Pierce, uncle Anthony Pierce, uncle Lawrence Pierce, niece Thiase Tyler, Nephew Kiyas Tyler. He is also survived by and a host of cousins, relatives including the extended Tyler family, and many new, and lifelong friends. James was a life-long learner. James graduated from Boston Technical High school in 1991. James made his way to Atlanta, Georgia to attend the prestigious Morehouse College and become the first in his family to graduate from college. James would also make a way for two of his cousins and brother Jason to start new lives in Atlanta. James also holds a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. James holds a Doctorate in Epidemiology/Psychiatry from Columbia University. James had a long career in the Pharmaceutical and Public Health sectors. James lived a life full of adventure. He was a seasoned, and avid traveler. James’ travel became a way to explore his interests in life. James would travel to sporting events, like the Final Four. He would often take yearly fishing trips to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with his friends. James traveled to show his love for music and film. He made several trips to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah as well as the Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. For over 20 years James called New York “The City that never sleeps” home. Unsurprisingly, James had a “home away from home” in many places including Fort Lauderdale Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. James will be remembered as an impeccable host. James would open his home, and kitchen as long as you weren’t cooking pork, to feed family and friends. James channeled his hosting skills to make signature dishes and drinks. James made a legendary sangria, and his jerk chicken was second to none. In his own words, James made the best fried chicken in his family. This claim is unconfirmed. Nonetheless, James never missed a chance to come together and fellowship with his loved ones. James leaves behind a legacy. He showed us all how to have a zest for life, approaching each day with humility, a giant smile, and a great sense of humor. James’ sense of generosity was unmatched. James would freely pass along resources to help others reach their goals. He wanted to see those around him do well. James taught us what it means to speak your mind. He told you what you needed to know, sometimes even when you didn’t ask him to. James taught us all how to be brave. He was fearless. James left an impact on the world that will live forever. He was a legend.