“Hanshi” James Edward White

Hanshi James Edward White, of Lancaster, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. He was born on May 29, 1956, in Lancaster, S.C., to the late Nathaniel White, Sr. and Pecolia Cunningham White.

James received his early education at Clinton Elementary, Barr Street High School, and Lancaster High School. Following graduation, he attended York Technical College, where he studied machining technology. He later worked as a machinist at both the Iron Foundry and Duracell. Though dedicated to his profession, his true passion was the martial arts.

In 1975, James and his brothers, Nathaniel and Ernest, founded a karate school, White Brothers Karate, later known as Universal Karate. Under their leadership, the school became known for producing some of the best martial arts competitors in the Southeast. James was a champion fighter and an exceptional instructor, promoting numerous black belts who later opened successful schools of their own.

For the past 50 years, James and his brothers organized annual karate tournaments that drew participants from multiple states, each eager for the chance to win the iconic six-foot trophy. James was a founding member of the Dojo Organization, a Dojo Organization Hall of Fame inductee, and was honored as a Legend of the Carolinas Martial Arts. He was also inducted into the War Angels Hall of Fame and featured in the Who’s Who of Martial Arts by the American Martial Arts Association.

James was a faithful member of Mt. Moriah AME Zion Church in Richburg, S.C., where he served as co-chair of the Men’s/Father’s Day Program.

James is preceded in death by his father, Nathaniel White, Sr., and his brother, Nathaniel White, Jr.

James leaves to cherish his memory: his loving mother, Pecolia Cunningham White of Lancaster, S.C.; his sister, Priscilla Ann White; his brother, Ernest Lee White, and wife Michelle of Lancaster, S.C.; his daughter, Natashia White Pass, and husband Milton of Raleigh, N.C.; his son, James Edward White, Jr., and wife Leticia of Killeen, Texas; his son, Collin White of Lancaster, S.C.; and his cherished grandchildren, Elijah McKoy and Madalyn Pass. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, martial arts students, and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family of Mr. White will receive visitors on Saturday, November 15th, at Crawford Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 16th, at 2:00 p.m., also at Crawford Funeral Home.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to friends, students, and supporters near and far for the outpouring of love, care, and support during this time.

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