In Loving Memory of
Johnathan M. James
Homegoing
Monday, August 25, 2025
Viewing/Service
Parkchester Funeral Home
1430 Unionport Road
Bronx, NY 10462
3:00 – 7:00 PM Eastern
Live Stream 5:00 – 7:00 PM Eastern
Repast/Celebration
7:00 – 11:00 PM
BarrioBX
1247 Castle Hill Ave
Bronx, NY 10462
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Jonathan M. James Obituary
A native son of the Bronx, “Jon,” as his friends knew him, was born to James M. James, Sr. and Jophelia M. James on December 28, 1967, in the Bronx, New York. Jonathan graduated from both Herbert H. Lehman High School (1985) and Lehman College (2011). He also served as a reservist in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1991. After high school, he attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he made lifelong friendships that lasted to this day.
In 1992, Jon continued his talent for attracting lifelong friendships when he and a group of friends moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to live with his brother, James M. James, Jr., or “Jimmy” as his friends knew him, after a spring break trip to Florida A&M University. After almost twenty years, Jon moved back to the Bronx, returning to Noble Mansion, his childhood home. There, he accepted a position with South Bronx Job Corps, where he worked as a Residential Assistant and shaped students’ lives with his wisdom and joy, building friendships with the students and staff at the organization.
Jon had a passion for sports, thanks to his time as a standout football player at Lehman High School. That passion led to the creation of a sports non-profit, the Noble Knights, with one of his childhood friends. He also spent time as an instructor and tutor for many elementary school children throughout the Bronx and Manhattan
Jon is survived by his brother, James M. James, Jr., and his extended family in South Carolina, Maryland, and Florida, as well as his many friends in Noble Mansion, South Bronx Job Corps, Indiana, and Florida, many of whom knew him as their brother.
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May All Be Pleased With Your Soul 🤲🏾
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peace and love johnny jam rest well
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Will always be missed and loved brother rest in paradise…🕊🕊
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This is such a shock to hear my Friend, My Teammate has passed away. I will miss hearing you scream out “My Quarterback:” and my reply “My Running back” Sleep in Prace King!!!
Lehman Lion Forever 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
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Rest in Love JJ. You will truly be missed.
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Rest in peace!!
You will be miss Johnathan ❤️❤️
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Colossians 3:23- “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Job well done JJ!
You touched many, and many will remember you always!!!
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My cousin Johnathan-He will truly be missed. A truly joyful, loving , kind, compassionate, humble and outgoing spirit. Rest Well!
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My cousin/nephew with the big smile and big heart. I will truly miss him. If we could only see him now walking around Heaven calling the family together for a reunion.
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I’ma miss you er’y day Jon! Safe Travels, Bruh.
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Rest in peace John!
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Rest in peace John, you will be certainly missed by all that knew you.
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My deepest condolences to Mr. James family and friends. Mr James thank you for always being a great listener and mentor to many. We appreciate you! Continue to shine bright up there. We truly going to miss you Jay. Rest up now love , we got it from here❤️💐🙏🏻 #SouthbronxJobCorpsFamily
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Damn Mr.James this is not how i wanted our next encounter to be. You made my life at Jobcorps at lot easier while you was there and i appreciated you for that. You were family to me and i wish i could have one last moment with you to express that too you. Rest easy Mr. James 💪🏽
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Rest well our friend. We go back since 1st grade. You were always a fun guy and loved by many.
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My deepest condolences to the family of Mr.James 🙏🏻💐
Jay you are truly going to be miss. Thank you for always being a listener and mentor to many, we appreciate you! Continue to shine bright up there . Rest up love! We got it from here❤️🌹 #jobcorpsfamily
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Sleep well Jonathan, you will truly be missed. Love always, Bernie ❤️
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I’m so heart broken right now don’t know what to say I just know u was a very good dude and so much memories and laughs that we had but I wouldn’t never expect this type of day to come I will miss u forever u was the BEST AND UNCONDITIONALLY GREAT FRIEND AND R.A THAT I EVER HAD GOT ME OUT OF TROUBLE SO MANY TIME GAVE ME THINGS WHEN I DIDNT SUPPOSED TO HAVE IT BUT THIS IS UR BEST BUDDY Tyrone and God rest ur soul AKA rest in peace now and u will always be in my heart❤️💪🙏💔😢💯❗
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Rest in Peace my cuz… Thanks for reaching out and reconnecting. You will be missed!
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Jonathan I just saw you in January for Lester’s birthday celebration. It was great seeing you after so long. I’m glad I got to hug you and catch up. When Harris called and told me the news, I was shocked and saddened. Our families spent time together when you guys were younger. Rest well and. Know you won’t be forgotten!
Much love ❤️ Denise
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I love you brother, my heart has always loved you!!
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James made every shift at Jobcorps fun (which wasn’t an easy task at all). I’m gonna miss your calls, all the laughs and our Eagles/Giants banter bro. Go birds lol.
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I didn’t know November 2024 would be the last time I saw you……
I’m so sorry that I couldn’t make it up to say my last goodbye..,,, but Iit lightens my heart that I got to talk to you n let you know I was there at the hospital..
You will be sorely missed my childhood boo..🥰
Till we meet again , you will forever be in my heart…
R.I.P. Love you Jon
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I send my sincerest condolences to Jimmy and all the family & friends.
Cousin Mike Williams
Elgin, South Carolina
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This one hurt, love you j.
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You fought the good fight, You finished the race, You kept the faith.
Love you my Brother ♥️♥️♥️
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You go be missed friend love you always bro
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Will truly be missed my friend much love Gloria 💖
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RIP my Brother Jay Jay until we meet again!
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😞😢
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This one hit different, as a student in Job Corps you gave me great words of wisdom and advice when I needed to hear it most. You will definitely be missed. Rest in paradise Mr. James
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James will truly be missed. It was never a dull moment in Job Corps when he was around. Is humor use to always threw me off but eventually it grew on me. He was such an amazing RA.. he made everyone felt the love he had and his wisdom that he taught many of us was never in vain. Such a heartbreaking news to hear but you will forever live in the hearts of the many lives you’ve touched. Rest easy Angel.
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JJ as we called him @ Indiana State was one of the first people I met when I arrived there a year after he did. I bought him to Gary, Indiana in December of 1986 to witness a big highscholl basketball game, My brother I’m thing back to those days now & it bring both a smile & a tear. Remembering the Landfair days with you & your crew, the many. long nights of bid whist. I will miss you my friend, my brother. Until we meet again Love ❤️
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Johnathan will be truly missed by me and my family
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My brother J.J. from the Boogie Down as we used to say, will surely be missed. Part of the Landfair crew at Indiana State, he was a brother to many. As we said many times over 30 plus years, GIVE ME A SIX NO TRUMP!!! Until we meet again, have those cards ready. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER!!!
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James. I’ll miss our in depth talks about politics and life in Jamaica.
You and I were the last of the Mohicans in SBJC and those who follow will never know what a strong and giving person you were
Sleep peacefully in Mother’s embrace know we will carry on for you 🕊️
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South Bronx job corps lost a lengenddddd you will forever be missssed Mr.james !! REST IN PEACE 🕊️