Freddie L. James

Surrounded by loved ones at home, the spirit of Freddie Lee James of Endicott was released to his heavenly mansion early Sunday, September 14, after a long-suffering stance against prostate cancer. He was predeceased by his mother, Sarah Kilpatrick James; and by brothers, Rumell and Herbert James, all of Tallahassee, Florida. Fred was born there in 1938 and often recalled the simplistic joy and love of his extended family household on the beautiful farmland of his youth in Leon County. Fred was an exceptional father and dedicated family man, an attentive son, sibling, grandfather, uncle, husband and friend. While we rejoice in his being with the Lord, he leaves behind to mourn his sweetheart of ten and adoring wife of five years, Brenda Cave-James; three children from his previous marriage to Shirley Monroe, daughter, Ursula N. James (Chubasco) with children, Nyhiim, Amir and Asani, College Park, Ga.; daughter, Joycelyn R. James (David), Washington D.C.; son, Jarrard K. James (Michelle) with children, Justice, Marquise and Adrianna, Endicott. "Daddy James" received with open arms the adult children of Brenda: Andre, now in Kuwait; Regina (Damon), Phoenix; Robin (Anwar Sr.), Binghamton; and Phillip, Ithaca. Freddie was a wonderful "Grandpa James" to Robin's Aliyah, Nafisah, Anwar Jr. and little "Shazee-Bear." Fred also leaves grieving his dear father, Tony James Sr.; and sister, Delores (Lawrence) Roberts and family, all of Tallahassee; sister, Lillie Ruth (Pelman) Blackshear and family, Atlanta; and brother, Leroy (Runette) James and family, Houston. There are many, many dear cousins and relatives, in-laws, church family, and the best of friends and neighbors (especially Charlie) who love Fred and will miss him greatly. Freddie Lee James graduated from Tallahasse's Lincoln High School in 1958. He felt so blessed, despite his illness, to have recently returned to celebrate his 50th class reunion. He attended Florida A&M University for one year before his required U.S. Army service in the Panama Canal zone. Freddie later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Alabama's historical Tuskegee Institute. He relocated to Endicott in 1969 upon recruitment by IBM, from where he retired an engineering career spanning 25 years. In 1978, while establishing life here, Fred pledged into the fraternal brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Psi, desiring to mentor young men of color through college and career endeavors. In his post retirement years, Freddie was until very recently employed by NYS DOT as an Inspector. Of more importance to Brother Freddie James was the work of his heavenly Father. Reared in a God fearing family, his spiritual and selfless nature evolved at an early age. In 1979 he chose Trinity African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion for his new church home in Binghamton, serving diligently in numerous positions, including Director of Christian Education and Leader of Class Leaders. Fred traveled far and wide to support any AME Zion Connectional service, conference or program. He faithfully opened the doors of church for early Sunday School and mid week Bible study lest one soul arrive for worship or prayer. Fred was a strong voice in the Trinity Singers Choir, Trinity Men's Choir, and was currently Pastor's Steward and Lay Council President for the AME Zion Albany District. He loved visiting the ill or home bound for spiritual uplifting. Singing in the choir and exploring the great abolitionist history of the AME Zion Church is what brought Freddie and Brenda together. He found a new joy in his last years discovering and teaching that aspect of his beloved church by dramatic impersonation and by the sharing of sacred spirituals. Freddie loved the theater, "Old School" Blues and Gospel music. He loved his vegetable garden and was also gifted in building or repairing with his hands. Fred enjoyed traveling, which he and Brenda did often for the church, their historical research and for the mere pleasure of viewing God's beautiful earth. We want to thank so many for the absolutely overwhelming outpouring of love in these last weeks and since Fred's passing. We are grateful to Dr. S. Kahn and company at Broome Oncology, the kind staff of Wilson's South Tower 5 and of course, Lourdes Hospice.Fred's service and burial is Saturday, September 20, at 11a.m. at Fountain AME Chapel in Tallahassee, Florida. The local memorial service of music and celebration will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, September 27, at Trinity AME Zion Church, Oak and Lydia Streets in Binghamton, Reverends Ruby J. Smith and Freeman Y. Perry officiating. Arrangements by MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley, N.Y. "Well done thou good and faithful servant."