Emanuel James

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday April 9, 2016 at 11:30 am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laurel, MD. Rev. Paul Hill will be officiating. Prior to service, visitation will be conducted from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home in Bowie, MD. On Monday, April 11, 2016 at 10:00 am, a small graveside ceremony will be performed at Lee Memorial Park, in Lehigh Acres Fl.

Born in October 1936 on the island of Aruba, Emanuel was the eldest son of the late Joseph S. James and Mary Sandrine Mark. After graduating from Abraham De Veer School in San Nicolas, Emanuel set his sights to the United States where in 1960, he served honorably as a medical specialist in the U.S. Army.

Upon returning from Korea, he was assigned to Fort Jay Army Post on Governors Island in New York where he served as an x-ray technician. It was during this time, that through a mutual friend, he met and married the love of his life of Ronell Lee and together they dedicatedly raised 3 sons.

Emanuel was an accomplished CPA having honed his skills for over 30 years as an accountant for the city of New York. On the weekends when not serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, he loved to travel and often utilized his talents helping family and friends with financial planning, tax preparation, and real estate investment. Those who knew him best were always fond of his humor, generosity, and good spirit.

Emanuel was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Ronell James, his two sisters, Margaret Eustache and Yvonne McQuilkin, and his brother Abraham Lincoln James.

His precious memories however will be survived through his three sons, Ronald, Lawrence and Joseph, their spouses Sonya and Haydee, and his three grandchildren, Chantel, Paulina and Sophia. He will also be survived by his sisters, Catherine Joy Janssen-James, Constance Susana, and Angelica Gloria (Gamaliel) Herry; his brother Michael “Bob” James (Bernadette); his step-sister Viveata James, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Our Lady of Loretto Church, 115 Greenwich St, Hempstead, NY 11550. The family of Emanuel James also wishes to thank the following organization for their support: Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, Springtime Assisted Living, International Healthcare Consultants, Morningside House of Laurel, and Lorien Nursing and Rehabilitation. A special thanks is given to Yvette Osme who’s support and loving care cannot be measured nor summed up with mere words.