Every year this day comes around I grieve…I still don’t fully know why but I have always understood.  They say you have no control over who tells your story but know for me it will always be filled with love, words of wisdom, strength, tears, laughter, and your smile, for when your nieces /goddaughters want to know who their uncle was in life.  

S.I.P. always Baby Boy…we love you.

Thinking about you always but you know! ✨

To my dear baby brother Ja-Maal,
I thought writing a thesis was the hardest thing to do but writing this is. Even though it has been over a month since you have passed away, it is still hard to believe. When you were overseas, I would count down the days when you came back home and having the family BBQ we talk about.  I imagine Russell, Xavier, and you watching old Godzilla flicks and rubbing your bellies from all the food that was eaten. When I close my eyes and think of you, I can picture your smile, I can hear the sound of your laugh and it makes me smile. I remember the day when they brought you home from the hospital and I held you in my arms. I was amazed of your chunky cheeks, curly hair and little hands. I also remember the days Tonya and I would fight over who was going to push you in the doll baby stroller. You loved all the attention you got from your big sisters and big brother when you were a baby. I play your voicemail whenever I want to hear your voice and read the last text message you sent me to feel that you are still there. I put on a brave face and make sure others are ok so I don’t have to deal with the reality that there will not a be any more calls/text messages from you, hugs from you or you saying “Love you too Sis.” I want you to know that you will always be in my heart. I will never stop thinking about you. I wish that I had one last chance to hug you and tell you that big sis is there and that I love you. In the meantime, I will do what a big sister do and be there for your boys and Natalie. When my time comes, I want you standing there to give me my hug. I look forward to seeing you again. I love you with all my heart Ja-Maal (my baby brother).
Love always and forever
Russell, Othondra, Xavier, Xsandrianna, Cheyenne and Noah


Today becomes another first since you have been gone...the first thirty days passing, the first July 4th, Jabari’s 16th birthday, the first whole month I have not been able to talk to you. Thirty days of looking at pictures of you everyday and crying quiet in a room by myself. People say time will heal but for me it will be a long long time from now and I will still be missing my brother and best friend. We talked about anything and everything on our minds in that moment, and respected each other so much that our family matters always stayed between the two of us. I miss your pranks and dumbass jokes, even when they were about me. You would make me mad, then make me cry, and in the end say something so stupid to make me laugh because you didn’t like my tears. I miss you calling me, I would answer and hear you say “Hey Sis, what ya doing” and when I say “nothing” you were like nope that nothing speaks a thousand words, talk to me right now. It was the same way when I called you. In a million other calls, I miss us talking about movies, music, and you letting me know how much my choices sucked in each one.  Talks about how much we love our children even when they did the crazy stuff that would make us want to drink and no matter how they chose to live as they grew up, we would never demean or disrespect them to others.  Days after your death I was so hurt, angry and lost wanting to know why and who was to blame. Sucked back into that baseness chaos I struggled mentally and worked hard to get out of.  But something you asked of me long ago settles my mind, remember when you went to bootcamp 16 years ago and asked me to love Jabari as my own, take care of him being that he was my godson, to give James the same kind of love to not treat him as your stepson but as your son, and show Natalie that she is welcomed with love as a sister-in-law.  Praying you find  your peace in heaven that was not accessible to you here.  Continue to SIP ❤️ Aniyah, Jessenia and Tonya

JaMaal I remember your cute face and your big smile. When I would visit Othondra I remember how much fun I had at the house and how wild it was running around the house and playing video games.  You always made me laugh You will truly be missed from that little child to now a grown man.  May God bless you.   May God bless your wife , sons and family.   Hugs to you.  

It was a privilege to have served with Jamaal at VFC-12.  He was a dedicated Sailor and Father who leaves a lasting  influence wherever he served. AD1, you will be missed, but never forgotten.  Rest in peace Shipmate, we have the watch. 
AMCS Linda Roland

Well bro, today is the day we officially say Rest In Peace. 19 days ago you decided that you were complete with life here on earth. I want to say I am sorry for not being nosey enough, for not seeing something and saying something, for not hearing you silent cry. I know that you have journeyed on into the peace and solitude your heart desired. While you prepare and save a seat for us....we will remember you through the memories you left. Your legacy leaves memories of your smile, your goofy jokes, your genuine care for others. You always put people before yourself. You were real quiet and reserved but when your "sailors" or friends needed you, you were right there. I thank you for the time spent, the kick in the butt when needed and the encouragement to be on top when our command was drowning me/us. Thank you for mentoring me. You played a role along my military journey which became part of my life's journey. I am where I am today, partially because of you. When I wanted to give up, you told me to choose a different way to be the best I could, for myself, my family and my sailors who were under me. I valued our friendship. Thank you. The sailors you leave behind have the Watch, the friends you leave behind knew your heart and will forever bring light to your legacy, and your family have the love. We love you and will embrace this void with the great memories we have of you. As you transition into peace, I'll wait for you to send a sign letting me know you are near and that you are at peace. I send prayers to your family, as they release you. Prayers of comfort and understanding. Prayers of family togetherness. You were always speaking of your boys and how they enlighten your world. Watch over them brother. Rest easy bro, we love you and we will miss you JB!!!❤️❤️❤️

I miss the conversations while setting torque on the lower pressure plate, adjusting for vibes on an FCF Friday where the sun didn’t set until after 8pm.  I remember your reserved opinion and a depth of understanding you kept to yourself.  I miss your friendship.  

I remember Jigga being a very quiet guy but yet very funny at the same time. Most importantly I remember how Natalie and James Jr. Would light up to see him walking through the door of her house in East Stroudsburg,PA. That was the beginnings of the Black family and it took off from there. I  will cherish those memories of him. My deepest condolences and love to the family. 

I haven't met my brother in person but once,I wish I could have gotten to know him,he has a beautiful family,I would have loved him as well as I love my other siblings,my condolences to u an yr family,an I pray we come together an see each other before we leave this earth,family is beautiful 😍.......

I knew Ja-maal in HS and he was so sweet and so quiet.   A really sweet soul.  Rest in peace sweetheart.  

As Jammal uncle it was always enjoyable to talk to him and to see him grow up to be a fine young man  and to have a beautiful family 

As brothers-in-law and brothers in arms, I enjoyed the times we did get a chance to meet and will always remember your words of wisdom. 

Beautiful soul always and forever in my heart! Rest in peace! 🖤

Jamaal Black was one of my “line rats” when we were assigned at HC-85 from 2005-2007.  Jamaal always worked really hard and so enjoyed the work environment at the squadron.  We worked hard and played harder.  I am so very sorry for your loss of Jamaal.  I will always remember his wonderful smile and his hard work to become a plane captain at our squadron.  Great guy, it was a privilege to serve with him.  Fair winds and following seas.  Chief April Morthland USN retired 

OBITUARY

Ja-maal "Jigga" Jonathan Black

20 May, 1980 – 10 June, 2020

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services