Obituary for Arthur Franklyn James
Arthur Franklyn James, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, was born in Gibraltar, Jamaica, West Indies to Charlie and Charlotte (Gaynor) James. With his brother Morgan and sister Doreen they followed his mother to the United States to seek greater opportunities for family advancement. Arthur became a proud naturalized American citizen and joined the U.S. Army for love of country.
“Franky” as many of his friends called him became a member of “Old” Twelfth Baptist Church on Shawmut Avenue in Boston. Arthur loved music. a gift he inherited from his mother. He sang bass with the Chancel Choral, the main choir for the church. At Christmas Easter and other special occasions he relished participating in Handel’s Messiah and other more formal presentations. Over the years and until his death he served the church many other areas. These include: Senior Ushers, Trustees Ministry, SAMH Board member, Social Action Committee, Men’s Fellowship, and Transportation Ministry. Truly he was a pillar of TBC.
Service outside of church was varied. Arthur was a faithful participant in the Food Pantry Ministry. An avid gardener, he worked closely with urban gardening programs and would travel far to cultivate a country planting. Arthur was also deeply involved in matters related to Jamaica and other islands. Along with Children Of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) he helped provide hurricane relief, medical supplies, and immigration education programs here and abroad. With his wife Elaine they to shipped books to Africa.
During the era of “busing” in Boston schools he did not just stay home and watch the disheartening scenes on television – he got on the bus with the students as a soldier, an adult and a source of encouragement and protection for frightened children. Arthur worked hard to elect politicians who had a heart for people.
He enjoyed athletics. As a youth he bicycled up and down the heights of Lime Hall Hill in St. Ann Bay, JA. He brought his athleticism forward into his adult life. Windsor Cricket Club, Combined Island Cricket Club, Wally-ball, and Bowling leagues were just some of the ways he expressed this interest.
Above all Arthur-Franklyn-Franky-Uncle Franklyn was a loyal friend and a devoted family man. He cherished his relationships through long morning prayers, regular visits and carefully selected special occasion cards. Celebrations and gatherings enriched his heart. He nurtured his memories through the countless photographs he took.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 33 years Elaine McLean James, his brother Morgan James (Joan Richards) and sister Doreen James Occean (Seraphin), Nieces: Rosemine Occean Ward (Lyndon, d.) and Carolyn Occean Callum (David), nephew John Occean (Andrea), two great-nieces: Sophia and Kadyn Callum, God-daughter Sheryl Thompson, God-son, Keith Wright, in-laws, cousins, extended family in Florida, Texas, Canada, Jamaica, and beyond, and many many friends.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Services will be live streamed on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE
“Franky” as many of his friends called him became a member of “Old” Twelfth Baptist Church on Shawmut Avenue in Boston. Arthur loved music. a gift he inherited from his mother. He sang bass with the Chancel Choral, the main choir for the church. At Christmas Easter and other special occasions he relished participating in Handel’s Messiah and other more formal presentations. Over the years and until his death he served the church many other areas. These include: Senior Ushers, Trustees Ministry, SAMH Board member, Social Action Committee, Men’s Fellowship, and Transportation Ministry. Truly he was a pillar of TBC.
Service outside of church was varied. Arthur was a faithful participant in the Food Pantry Ministry. An avid gardener, he worked closely with urban gardening programs and would travel far to cultivate a country planting. Arthur was also deeply involved in matters related to Jamaica and other islands. Along with Children Of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) he helped provide hurricane relief, medical supplies, and immigration education programs here and abroad. With his wife Elaine they to shipped books to Africa.
During the era of “busing” in Boston schools he did not just stay home and watch the disheartening scenes on television – he got on the bus with the students as a soldier, an adult and a source of encouragement and protection for frightened children. Arthur worked hard to elect politicians who had a heart for people.
He enjoyed athletics. As a youth he bicycled up and down the heights of Lime Hall Hill in St. Ann Bay, JA. He brought his athleticism forward into his adult life. Windsor Cricket Club, Combined Island Cricket Club, Wally-ball, and Bowling leagues were just some of the ways he expressed this interest.
Above all Arthur-Franklyn-Franky-Uncle Franklyn was a loyal friend and a devoted family man. He cherished his relationships through long morning prayers, regular visits and carefully selected special occasion cards. Celebrations and gatherings enriched his heart. He nurtured his memories through the countless photographs he took.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 33 years Elaine McLean James, his brother Morgan James (Joan Richards) and sister Doreen James Occean (Seraphin), Nieces: Rosemine Occean Ward (Lyndon, d.) and Carolyn Occean Callum (David), nephew John Occean (Andrea), two great-nieces: Sophia and Kadyn Callum, God-daughter Sheryl Thompson, God-son, Keith Wright, in-laws, cousins, extended family in Florida, Texas, Canada, Jamaica, and beyond, and many many friends.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Services will be live streamed on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE