Evelyn James

Evelyn James who was affectionately called “Dunk” by her siblings and “Aunt Elma” by her nieces and nephews, was born September 15, 1939 in Jamesville, NC to the late Hosea James, Sr. and Rhodia James. She earned her wings on January 16, 2021 after battling complications from the coronavirus. 

As a young woman, she exchanged vows of holy matrimony with her husband, the late Stewart James. Soon after, she migrated to New York and began raising her family. Along the way, she also actively cared for three of her grandchildren whom she nicknamed  “Stinker,” (Erica) “Gush Gush,” (Michael) and “Gunky” (Curtis).

As her children became of age, she joined the workforce in the capacity of a Caretaker for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).  She was a dedicated worker, and adored by all of her supervisors and coworkers.  As a result of her hard work, she was promoted to the position of Store Room Keeper, where she monitored, distributed, and kept inventory of NYCHA supplies. She retired in 2005 after 15 years of service. 

She leaves to cherish her memories, six children: Roslyn James of Plymouth, NC, Randy James of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Rudy James of Fayetteville, NC, Patsy James of Brooklyn, NY, Palvaline James of Atlanta, GA and Rhonda James of Brooklyn, NY. Her youngest son Eric James preceded her in death. She also leaves to cherish her memories, 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She leaves to mourn her cherished memories, seven siblings: Rosalind James-Minor, Doretha Keyes, Carolyn Biggs, Joyce James, Evangeline Mae, Verna Mae Moore and Rev. Dr. General James all of Jamesville, NC. Her siblings: Hosea James, Jr., Wilsonia James and Sharon James preceded her in death. Lastly, she will be missed by her special niece Sheila Robinson and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.