In loving memory of
Jophelia M. James
August 4, 1940 – May 27, 2024
Celebration of Life
June 13, 2024 6:00 PM Eastern Time
Ortiz Funeral Home
2121 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10462
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Jopehelia M. James Obituary
A native of South Carolina, Jophelia, or ‘Jo” as her friends and family knew her, was born to the late Julius Williams, Sr. and Mattie Singleton Williamson August 4, 1940 in Greeleyville, South Carolina.
After graduating from Williamsburg County High School in 1958 she attended South Carolina State University for two years and Married James M. James, Sr., together they moved to New York City and began a life together.
Jophelia worked as a Nurse Secretary with Health Insurance Plan of New York and retired after more than 30 years of service. She was an avid bowler and played in bowling leagues in the Bronx. She also enjoyed a good bingo game with friends inside and out of Noble Mansion, where she lived for over 50 years.
She is the beloved Mother of James M. James, Jr. and Jonathan M. James; also survived by many very close family, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Unfortunately, her only surviving sibling, Edna Grant, preceded her into heaven three weeks prior on May 9, 2024.











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I will miss my Aunt Jo, who was more like a sister than an aunt. We experienced so much together growing up. Things that are a part of who I am today. Jonathan and Jimmy in ties to family you have great love, support and good memories. Love you guys, Stiney
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I will always love my Aunt Jophelia. I am truly blessed to have another great Angel in Heaven watching over me.
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Sending Prayers and Condolences! God is in control!
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Sincere condolences to the James Family
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Sending all my love and condolences to the family. I’m here for you JJ, praying for your strength through this difficult time. Love you always, Janice
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I am so very sorry for you Jonathan and your your brother losing your beautiful mother. I pray that God gives you strength and health and many blessings at this time.
Sincerely yours
Gail DeLaPaz and Family
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May God continue watching over you and your family.🙏🏾
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My condolences to the James family. May the lord comfort you during this difficult time.
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🙏🏾Sending love and light to the family. Rest in peace Aunt Jo.
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Ms Jo, you and the humor of yours will be missed! Rest easy and give Mama Williams a big hug from Me. Sleep in Eternal Peace.
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I will miss our telephone calls. Rest in peace.
Tom and Gert
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God bless Mrs. James. A mom to John and Jimmy but a mother to all the Noble Mansion kids. Always calm and cool. A true Queen. Rest well Miss James and say hi to my mom. We will forever love and miss you. Smiley
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Aunt Jo, we’re celebrating your life, well lived. All the siblings are together and at peace.
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My condolences
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Rest in peace, my friend. May your sons be comforted knowing that you are in the arms of your Savior.
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Prayers for your family and friends!
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I am so sorry for you and your brother, the loss of your beautiful mother. May God bless you with strength and health and loving memories of your mother.
Sincerely yours
Gail DeLaPaz and family
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My friend you have earn your wings. Sleep on take your rest.
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My friend I will miss the long calls on Sundays. Sleep on take your rest.
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We love and condolences to another one of our childhood protectors Much love to the James family.
Your brother
Saryn
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Please know that the family are in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. I will always remember Mrs James as my upstairs neighbor. Rest in Peace
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My deep and sincere condolences to the family. I am sorry for your loss.
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Thank you for taking a vow to be there for me if needed. Your work here is done… Well done godmother rest in paradise ✝️
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She was a very close friend of mine and I will truly miss her .
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Aunt Jo I am going to miss you so much I’m going to cherish all the great memories that I had with you over the years.You and sis are finally together again.Rest in peace always in my Heart ❤ Love Lisa Grant
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Jo and I met 1960 and stayed friends even after I moved from NY 1968. We spoke every weekend. I will miss her. RIP Jo love 💕 Irene
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RIP you’re in a better place with God watching over J.James.
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Rest well Mrs. James. Thank you for being more than just a friend to my family.
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My Deepest condolences and Just know that the Noble fam is here for ya’ll