James S. Washington Jr.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits James S. Washington Jr. who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, James was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with James knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

James was born on September 7, 1928 at home in Columbia, South Carolina. His parents were James and Annie Bell Washington. James was raised in South Carolina and New York. Even as a youngster, James learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, James was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. James was raised with one sibling. He had one sister named Anna Bell Washington. James had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For James, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

In school, James was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, James was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. James’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was shop.

James was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When James was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to James came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were James Gross. Later in life, he became friends with Dan Chan and Angelo Cuizio.

An objective and conscientious individual, James reveled in the security of his family. On February 8, 1992 James exchanged wedding vows with Eartha Dingle at the Cornerstone Baptist church of Brooklyn, New York. One of James’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

James was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. James would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. James was blessed with five children, Marily Ingraham, Rickey Washington, Ronald, Michael and Eric Thompson. They were also blessed with five grandchildren and one great grandson, Rebekah Thompson, Hannah Thompson, Melia Rose Thompson, Yvonne Ingraham and Richard Ingraham.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, James was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, James was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, James upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Interstate Coach Driver. He was employed for 45 years. James was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

James approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were photography. James was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for James to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball and football.

Being generous with his time and energy, James liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, James was an active member of the Kiwanis Club.

A civic-minded person, James was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, James was a supporter of the Taminent Democratic Club. During these years, James applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to James. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of the Free Wheel Baptist Church for 25 years. During that time, he was a Church treasurer.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, James could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for James; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included Angel Award from Shareing and Careing, State Senate, Assembly and Congress.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, James used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. James had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii and Cruises to all of the islands.

When James’s retirement finally arrived in 1996, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in computer and photography. In many ways, James loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

James passed away on December 28, 2012 at home in Astoria, New York. James fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by wife Eartha T. Washington, sister, grandchildren and great grandson, niece, nephews and cousins. Services were held at Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home. James was laid to rest in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale, New York.

All who knew him would agree that James was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. James S. Washington Jr. did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Donations Can Be Made To:

Shareing & Careing

45-02 Ditmars Blvd Suite 1016

Astoria, NY 11105

718-777-5766

Envelopes Will Be Available At The Funeral Home