James Sykes Jr.

and James Sykes Sr.

He attended Washington School in Pasadena CA; Andrew Jackson School in Altadena CA and

Apperson Street School in Sunland CA.

James received numerous accredited certifications that qualified him to become a Journey Counselor.

After many years of “finding himself” James said he wanted to do things differently and wanted to stay on course; making sure his priorities were right, to encourage others and himself, to accept new challenges. While employed with VOA (Volunteers of America), is when his outlook changed. This gave him an opportunity through VOA to share his story. His hope was to pass along the goodness others had bestowed upon him. He began to live by the “Five P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Production.

James was completely committed to his job as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor / Certified Addiction Specialist; a motivational speaker, teacher and instructor to men who are incarcerated at Pleasant Valley State Prison and Corcoran State Prison where he was employed as a Journey Counselor.

He always expressed his gratitude for Wayne Garcia, Chief Operating Officer – Re-entry Project,

Michael Brenner, Managing Director HR 360 So. Calif, Shelby Martindale PD – Chino Institute for Men and Stacy Johnson, Program Director Amity Foundation – Corcoran State Prison.

He also studied Islam and believed deeply in the teaching of God, who is Allah in Arabic. This helped him obtain his spiritual growth, scriptural commonality of the Bible and trust what God had gifted him with. James (aka – Hakim) would often talk about how he was counseled and mentored by Iman John Faakeer.

James was an extremely versed orator that would capture your attention. He sadly missed the graduation of the four men he mentored through a 90 day program at Corcoran State Prison, where he was employed. He stressed the importance of empathy and compassion, he said “the ties that bind us all as human beings and the core of our human nature, leads to inner peace."

A message from Jaime Valenzuela: Dear James, I can’t believe that someone could come into my life in such a little time and mean so much to me. I am glad and overwhelmed to be part of an elite crew of demonstrators and for having the opportunity to work with you as my mentor. It’s been an honor knowing you and being your friend.

James did not have any children but sincerely loved all his many nieces and nephews.

Preceding James in death is his mother, Mary Edna Luper; his father, James Sykes Sr.;

Sisters, Dorothy Schweitzer and Juanita Howard; and brother, Antonio Williams Jr.

Left to cherish his wonderful memories are sisters, Ada Varner, Mary Ann Warren, Jacqueline Charles, Renee Hendricks; Brother-in-law, Wayne Warren; his companion, LaFawn Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, co-workers and friends.

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO THEM WHO BELIEVE – Mark 9:23

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Sykes family.