Joseph “Uncle Joe” James was a very hardworking man. His ability to provide and protect his wife and family was very important to him. He was a husband, a father, a son, a grandfather and a friend to many. Although he spent countless hours working, he always made sure that his wife was well cared for.

Their love wasn’t the traditional love, their love was more detailed, more focused on the little things. If that meant him rushing home from work to clean mom’s nursing shoes (I assure you she had the whitest nursing you have ever seen), or gently waking her in the nick of time so she wouldn’t be late for work … they focused on the little things in love and in marriage.

His focused on the little things translated to how he cared for his grandchildren. He made himself so available completely and vulnerable to them. All his grandchildren literally had him wrapped around his fingers and he had them tucked away in his hearts. The youngest of the grandchildren, Jordan (4y) & ImaniRose (3y), were coined by the family as the troublemakers but described as active angels by Uncle Joe. He had a great way of seeing the positive side in situations and laughing.

Towards the end of his life it was very difficult for our family, especially my mom to watch him struggle with cancer. Even though he was fighting such a difficult battle he always remained strong and was optimistic. He showed the most concern for us and how we were doing. He did not want us to feel sorry for him or for us to be sad. The strength that he showed and his love for us is something that I will never forget. We love you and will miss you very much. 

Joseph Alexander James, 72, succumbed to cancer on May 20, 2017. Joseph is survived by his wife Myrna, son Garfield, Daughters Rosemarie Keisha, his mother, brother many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. Joseph was a loving son, father, husband, grandfather and friend to all.