Len James' Obituary
Mr. Len Edward James Sr. entered this world on Thursday, June 12th, 1941. He was the fifth child
of nine from the union of Mr. William James Sr. and Bertha Porter James. Growing up, he had a
close-knit family that instilled in him the values of love, compassion, and hard work. He received
his introduction to Christ at an early age under his mother's guidance at Baptist Hill Church in his
hometown of Brewton, Alabama. "Lenzie," as he was affectionately called by many of his siblings,
attended the Brewton Alabama School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High
School in 1959.
He then relocated to New Orleans for a brief time, before landing in New Jersey where his brother
and sister had already taken residence. It was here, where he met the love of his life, Joyce L.
Evans. They were married on June 4th, 1966. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised 2
children, Sonya and Len ll. Sonya was born on his 26th birthday, with Len Il following 4.5 years later
on Christmas Eve, 1971. Len worked in Springfield, New Jersey at Thornton Drum Rings for many
years until its closing in 1987.
He then pursued a career at New Community Corporation as a master carpenter. As a jack
of all trades, he could fix or build just about anything until his health forced him to retire early. Church became a "family thing" at Vineyard Baptist Church, with Len joining his brother as a deacon, his deaconess wife and sister in-law. Residing in the same home on North 11th Street for
40 years created other special bonds. Neighbors became family, sharing a close-knit
community that helped shape the lives of so many.
Len was a southern gentleman, doting husband, and a loving father & grandfather. Len was always
very active in his children's interests and schooling. While they attended elementary school at Saint
Rosa Lima, as well as during their high school years at Saint Vincent Academy & Seton Hall Prep,
he was the president of the PTA. A dedicated brother in the Masons, Len earned the distinction of
33rd Degree. As an avid bowler, he participated in several leagues, traveling and winning trophies adorning the entire home with special recognitions for being in the 300 Club. Respected by all who
met him, Len was a pillar of the community.
Len & Joyce shared a love that spanned over 45 years, until her passing on June 13th, 2014. After
the death of his beloved wife, he enjoyed traveling with his children and grandchildren. In addition,
he enjoyed getting out several times a week to participate in the Union County Seniors Program,
where he was constantly complimented for being the best smelling & best dressed client there.
Once he relocated to Georgia in early 2018 with his daughter, he spent many of his days enjoying
the weather and serenity of the South. Sitting on the front porch, riding his electric wheelchair
around the development, or just waving to all of the neighbors. Len didn't have in-laws, as his wife's siblings were his own. Even after her passing, they showered him with the same love he bestowed
upon them.
Len was predeceased by his wife, Joyce Louise Evans-James, his father, Mr. William James Sr.,
mother Mrs. Bertha McConnico and bonus dad Mr. Sam McConnico, brothers William, Joe and Walter, sisters Baby Zelda & Betty and granddaughter Brionna Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Margaret Pennell, brother Gregory James (Eunice), daughter Sonya Harris (Dave) and son Len James Il (Terassa), 8 grandchildren Shatoyia (Shavin), Monique, Monae, David, Lenae, Nia and Jalen. Seven great grandchildren, Skylar, Nile, Madisyn, Caleb, Xana, Joyous and Esaias and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Len?
What’s a lesson you learned from Len?
Share a story where Len's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Len you’ll never forget.
How did Len make you smile?
