A DAY TO REMEMBER!  MICO MAN!  OH THOSE WONDERFUL  RAINY DAYS PLAYING IN THE QUADRANGLE!

My Forever Husband,
Yes, it’s been three years since you left me, but it seems like yesterday as your smile, your touch, your loving and caring gestures, all your memories remain in my heart each day as I prod along without you. You will remain there until the day we meet again  my love!
I gain strength from the fact that I was  so lucky to have had 54 years with such an amazing human being;  you chose me and I am so blessed!
Continue to rest in peace my dearest, till we meet again.
Your Forever Wife.

So Sad you are not with us
Great person and will forever mourn your loss

Whenever a work colleague becomes a true friend, the bond will transcend all barriers.
Jimmy

Icy and Family
We know that today is a very hard day. There are so many precious memories.  We are here for you today and always and we have you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Much Love
Sincerely,
Jeff and Sadie

Owen, you may be gone but never forgotten.  We often speak of you, your smile, your laughter and all the fun you brought into our lives.
Icey, you are always in my thoughts and my prayers. 
Sending lots of love to you as we remember Owen.

Today, January 22, 2024 marks the Second year of the death of my sweet, caring, funny, lovable husband Owen James.
My heart still aches and my tears still flow but he left me with so many wonderful memories to help me through the years, that I continue to survive and prodding along,  just as he would want me to do.

How lucky I am to have shared 54 years of blissful marriage with this amazing human being,  producing two wonderful sons, Gordon and Greg while fulfilling our dreams traveling the world and making endless and genuine friends along the way.
Friends who now continue to support and care for me, making sure that though I am alone  I am never lonely.

Owen , my husband, you have left a void in my heart that no one can fill and I shall love you and miss you until the day I die, but I take comfort in the fact that we will be together again some day. In the meantime I continue to live as you would have wanted, enjoying and spending time with our children and grand children and reminiscing about you with friends and loved ones.

I end with a line from the poem you wrote me  “ WE MET IN THE SUMMER AND FOUND A LOVE FOR ALL SEASONS.”
Rest well my love!!🥰🥰💕💕
Your Forever Wife.

His smile lit up the room and his gentle way made knowing him an honour. All our memories are that of fun, jokes, and such precious moments, from the houseboat on Lake Kariba, the dance floors in Harare and our home in the UK. A true gentleman, loved by all our family. Gone but never forgotten. Pray for your continued strength with lot of love and hugs, to Icy, children and grandchildren. Heather, Reuben and family.

Owen came, he made a hugh mark, and now we honour his Memory

Amb. Byron Blake

Gone but not forgotten.  Remembering Icy and family. Lifting you up in prayer.  Sleep in peace Owen💜

Always remembered fondly. Icy, you and the boys remain in my daily prayers. Blessings and God's continued love and guidance.
Myrna Bailey.

Our hearts and soul issues Owen a lot
May his rest be peaceful and may Icy find strength  to cope with his loss 
Our love to the James's 

I wish to explain how Owen Everard James and I, Owen Bancroft James, became acquainted.

It is said that in a random group of 23 people, there is about a 50% chance that two people have the same birthday.  In a similar setting the chances of two people having the same name are very much smaller, though the probability is larger in the wider world.

Be that as it may, up to a few years ago I had known of four Owen James...

Then on April 6 2016 I received an email from Clement Jackson (copied to others who clearly belonged to a close-knit group of intellectuals), congratulating me on some commentary I had made; only thing was that I had NOT made any such comment nor knew what the whole business was about!

The erudite commentary had included, inter alia, the following

“Very interesting approach to a seemingly intractable modern-day problem. However, it does not resolve the most crucial issue that defines nearly all social interactions in nearly all so-called First World countries today, especially the United States. Sadly, nearly all interactions are unfailingly transactional - you scratch my back I scratch yours - in the most critical aspects of our communal life: politics, religion, military service, poverty, employment, education, health care, for example. Notably, Brooks mentions the relationship between patriotism and military service. This is an obvious but highly questionable reference if we consider the reality that the vast majority of those who serve are from the poorer class and serve primarily to ensure a way out of their poverty via the derived housing and educational benefits……”.

And the congratulatory response (inadvertently sent to me) included, inter alia:

“Very thoughtful response Owen, to a most intriguing and perplexing contradiction facing all of us/humans in every social conurbation….”).



END OF PART ONE

To add to the growing mis-identity there was a comment from another member of the group, Lloyd Austin:

“Owen, Yours is a very resilient and thoughtful observation. I just wondered whether Mr. Brooks thoughts are confined to the USA milieu of a mixture of codified and "uncodified" social interactions?”

From the copy addresses I realized that indeed there was “another me” nestled among a group of intellectual heavyweights – and so it was incumbent on me to quickly put things right. So, I wrote:

“Greetings! I cannot accept praise for what is really NOT mine; the "Owen" to which you refer is not ME (Owen Bancroft James at "rameses_63@yahoo.com")  but the one already listed among the other addresses'- viz. " Owen  Everard James"-ojames41@gmail.com. ..At one time there were some four or so of us “Owen James" all over the place, with all of whom I was acquainted with! Can't, however, place Everard....Anyway, best wishes to you all - and enjoy the rest of your day- and interactive discourse- despite the inadvertent intrusion!”

And so, from sheer serendipity, began a link and correspondence with people whom I did not know- although later some familiar names did arise like Wycliffe Lofters and Derrick Aarons. In time the connectivity became intermittent, eventually reduced to fairly regular exchanges with Owen Everard, we agreed that to avoid further confusion he would be OwenE and I OwenB.



END OF PART 2

A similar misidentity again occurred with a local e-correspondence group of which I was a member, this time with me as the common link and OwenE as the occasional “outside” correspondent, being mistaken for me!! The local group included Douglas Hutchison, Beverly Butler, Lloyd Lewis and Leighton Ritch, and in time we all shared emails and other communication, benefitting from the “cross-fertilization” of American and Jamaican views and inputs, though virtually all members were indeed Jamaica in origin.

Interestingly OwenE indicated in a letter to me and the others that he had in fact known some other Owen James, as below:

“Hello my namesake. I do vouch for the fact that up to the late 70s when I still lived in Jamaica, I knew of and eventually met two other namesakes. The first I met while on a flight to Trinidad from Jamaica. I still recall this purely accidental meeting with astonishment because my namesake boarded the aircraft and sat next to me. We chatted for several minutes but it was not until the flight was at cruising altitude that I suddenly realized that we had not introduced ourselves. At this point I interrupted our discussion with the usual niceties only for both of us to confess incredulity at the fact that we shared identical names. It turns out that my namesake is the Owen James of local business news commentary fame.

My other namesake is Dr. Owen James who was a physician and lecturer, I think, at the UWI. So, I have actually met two of my namesakes and now am meeting a third virtually. These coincidences do make for an interesting world, especially if you are neither of the earlier two. So, Everard is delighted to meet Bancroft and would love to become better acquainted. Who knows, we may well be related. …. Take care.”



END OF PART 3

Well blow me down- the fellow said that he actually knew me- but in truth I could not recall having met him! This was amended when, on Wednesday 10th April 2019, he, along with his good friend Carl Carby, visited my wife (Karen) and myself at our home in Ingleside, Mandeville! It was indeed a pleasure to at last really meet one’s alter ego and visually and verbally interact. He was such a fine conservationist. Interestingly he then told me had been thinking about our possible association and recalled that he had met and interacted  with my Mother at the Income Tax Department on East Street, Kingston several decades ago!! 

We shared some life experiences and biographical information; OwenE thought, read, discussed and wrote widely. No subject was untouched- law, politics, religion, economics, crime, gender issues, racism poetry, slavery and col0nialism, agriculture, human behaviour, modern technology …. He told me of his love for teaching and writing,  and then, to my great surprise and immeasurable pleasure, he handed presented me with three of his authored  books- duly autographed:

 SUFFERERS MANIFESTO, “JAMAICAN BY BIRTH- AMERICAN BY CHOICE” ( “BRACKETS”

Such generosity is indeed rare.

We subsequently corresponded many times, and sometimes the matters we discussed had actually been researched and shared in one or other of his books! 

 OwenE’s writing was full of facts, interspersed with informed opinion, woven in a very informative and instructive manner. But not such that you could merely “flip through the pages”; you had to exercise some measure of concentration and focus, if you wished to fully assimilate the concept(s) being presented. His was an unusual mixture- humorous without being flippant, wise but concomitantly witty.



END OF PART 4

OwenE had some firm views on crime and its management, vide below:

“Let us not lose sight of the fact that the army & police DO NOT need to take over governance in Jamaica to solve Jamaica's crime & corruption problems. All that is required is for the elected civilian government, to which the army & police are accountable, to intelligently direct these services to do the work necessary to bring the scourge of crime & corruption to an end or at least under control. . 

The icing on the cake came when he started sharing snippets of his new book: “Pebbles and Pearls, and sought comments from some of our local group. We did not always see eye to eye, and had some “sparring sessions” - especially when it came to discussions about “Artificial Intelligence” and its inevitable “takeover” of the modern and future world. All taken and considered in good spirit, and to our delight he later asked at least three of us Beverly Butler, Douglas Hutchison and myself if he could include us in the Acknowledgements for publication of his new book! Such was the friendship and thoughtfulness and selflessness and generosity of the man…. 

There is so much more that one could say about this remarkable individual, his zest for scholarship, his admiration of useful and meaningful life changes, his love of nature. During a ‘phone call to him at his Florida home on 16th July 2021,   he described to me how deer and other animals roamed through his yard, converting it into “an unpredictable but dynamic zoo”. I told him how much our family had enjoyed previous visits to Orlando and its environs,  and he extended a warm invitation on behalf of his lovely wife -Icy (of whom he spoke fondly and often)- and himself, for us to visit at our mutual convenience.



END OF PART 5

So sad that this was not to be we continued our regular e-correspondence including his patriotic/nostalgic comment when I shared the picture of the Jamaican Flag at Independence in August: “Far away but right at home Enjoy the day my friend “……..

But I stopped hearing from him sometime in September 2021.

And then I heard from his beloved Icy- OwenE had been suddenly stricken and hospitalized…. the fine conversationalist could speak no more…

Over the next few months he was in and out of hospital and rehab care, sometimes hopefully appearing on the verge of recovery, other times relapsing in a state of dubious prognostic outcome. We all continued to hope and pray, indeed if such activities were powerful and remedial by sheer volume and sincerity and perseverance alone I daresay OwenE would be up and about today, alive and kicking, debating and persuading, writing and leading by actions and precept…

But alas, on Saturday 12 January 2022, OwenE took permanent leave…

May his devoted family and many friends take some comfort in having known and shared some of the life of this remarkable man.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE, OWEN EVERARD…

Gone too soon! A most fitting reminder of the brevity of life and the imperative of walking our journey with love and kindness. Though both graduates of Howard University in Washington, D.C., our friendship really blossomed because my dear wife and I were schoolmates with Icy at Camperdown High. And so we met Owen, and thereafter shared many beautiful memories with each other.
Owen was always armed with an argument and his trademark smile. We would talk for hours - about Jamaica and it’s opportunities and disappointments; about his beloved Mico; and about engendering a better world for all. 
Icy and family, you too know what I’ve also experienced with my loss of Jean, but I am able to assure you that time is a healer and the many and precious memories you lived with Owen will carry you on. He is not gone for he lives on through you and the many, many beautiful memories you shared. The good Lord will carry you on, taking you forward with wings as of eagles. He with strengthen you and give you every reason to understand that Owen’s life was meaningful, impactful, and full of zest and love. God remains in control. How good and sweet it is to live in peace and unity. One love!

Icy to you & family...
Our deepest condolences
The world has lost a great human being 
Our times together with you & Owen in New York & Ja 
were  short but hold  such  pleasant memories 
Owen was one of a kind ...  May his souls rest in peace ...
Pray God grant you his family the graces needed to cope with your dear loss
Errol & Hermine Huie  & family


“ On Jul 15, 2010, at 4:51 PM, Owen James wrote: Dear Zola-  As you must know by now, both mommy James and I think of you as one of our adopted daughters…”  

I was struggling that year and that email from Daddy James made me burst into tears.  I did indeed feel blessed to count them as family, and I received their love gratefully. 

For more than 30 years I have been been best friends with the force of nature that is their son Gordon James, who shared his parents with me but also  allowed me  to witness the purity of love between Daddy and Mommy James. I have watched them nurture their beloved children and grandchildren… And  by extension, I became the beneficiary of the circle of love too. 

Daddy James was kind, bighearted, funny,  thoughtful and affectionate. I am grateful that my mom and my children got to know him and he will always be alive in our hearts. 

Sending lots of  love, The Mashariki Family - Akilah, Zola, Kayin & Zenzele. 



Our  condolences go out to the family. Your smile, your presence, your charm, your silver platinum hair will never be forgotten. R.I.P

It is with a heavy heart that I have written this tribute to one of my brothers. 

Words are not enough to describe the feeling of sorrow at this time. 
Owen was a gentle giant. Full of fun.
His bark was louder than his bite. 

As his baby sister, I am so proud of him. Forever I will embrace the times we all would go to Hope Gardens as a family. Mom made sure we spent quality family time together. These were very good times we were blessed to share.

Owen, you will remain forever in my heart. Rest well my loving brother. 
Never to be forgotten... till we meet again.

Love
Marjorie

Uncle you were always loving and inspirational. You will be missed and always loved. 

Love always  Marcus James 

Rest in Peace Owen and may God's eternal  light shine on you. 
You will always  be loved and dearly missed.

Icy, Owen always displayed empathy and interest in others.  He was a very successful and accomplished man but made others the center of attention.  We will miss his beautiful soul.      With Sympathy and Love   Johnnie and Joycie Morris

Our lives were enriched on the day we met the James' in Harare, Zimbabwe.  Owen you touched our lives in such a profound way. A special friend, husband, father and grandfather. A man of great vision, intellect, and integrity. You will be sadly missed. You've left us with indelible memories that will be treasured for all eternity. Sincere condolences to our dear Icy and all the family with love from Heather,  Reuben and all the Peters family.

Sending sincere condolences to Icy and family. We will  remember and cherish Owen’s warmth and generosity. We always felt welcomed in your home. His warm spirit will certainly remain in our hearts.



Samuel and Waple Lewis 
I was transferred to Nairobi, Kenya, in 1980, by the company with which I worked at the time, along with my wife Waple and our two young children, Seldon and Trudi.
We joined a tight knit West Indian ‘possee’ who were already there, comprising Trinidadians and Guyanese and a couple of non-West Indian spouses.
Owen James  with his wife Icilma (Icy) and their sons Gordon and Gregory joined the group later in the year. Enduring friendships were formed back then.
Icy possessed a warm and welcoming personality, as did Owen in his own quiet and comfortable style.
We have kept in touch both in person and electronically throughout the years. We have met from time to time in various places, and we have shared some memorable experiences.
Owen and I were in Nairobi during the attempted coup of 1982, although thankfully our families were out of the country at the time. During the ensuing  curfew I ran out of food completely. I had to break curfew and sneak over to Owen’s house, where he gave me a loaf of bread and a soft drink to keep me going. Since then, I have always, only half-jokingly, maintained that he saved my life.
Waple visited them in Kentucky, where she and Icy were Icy were involved in a potentially fatal accident. We paid our first visit to Jamaica when they celebrated their twenty fifth wedding anniversary there. 
I always looked forward to the occasional thought-provoking email communication from Owen about some article that he had read, inviting  me to share my thoughts on it.
We will miss those occasional exchanges which always challenged us to think, just as we will miss Owen.
To Icy , Gordon and Gregory and Gregory’s wife and daughters, we extend sincere condolences from our family-Sam, Waple, Seldon and Trudi.
We also extend condolences, at their request, from Marilyn and David Kimotho, Mrs. June Browne and Mrs. Janis Estwick.
Rest In Peace, my friend and may God travel with you on this latest assignment.

Icy, we share your sadness in the loss of your beloved Owen. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Rest in peace Owen🙏 Ben and Margaret Justesen

I have known Owen and Icy for over fifty years. Owen and icy have been friends of our entire family. I have always admired his physical fitness and strength.  I am still shocked at his passing. I pray that Icy and the family will feel God’s comfort at this sad time. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love, Elzee.

Louise and I extend our sincerest condolences to Icy and the James family. We have known the James family for a long time. In fact, we knew Icy when "the devil was a boy." We remember the long distance courtship and the smile on her face when she hooked him, or was it the other way around? Nevertheless, they were meant for each other, and it was easy to see that they were soulmates. We fondly remember the early days of their marriage, when we, also a young couple, would spend many a Friday night playing (you guessed it) dominoes. On occasion, we played so far into the night that we ended up spending the night there. I also remember some heavy lifting, as we transported a huge rock to be the centerpiece of their lawn. Those were the days.

Then we migrated to the USA to advance our education. We kept in touch, but not nearly as much as we should have. We rejoiced in his promotion with Colgate and as they moved to Zimbabwe to run the operation there. His tenure there is indelible.

In 2017 while we were vacationing in Zimbabwe, we were guests at a party. A gentleman approached me and asked about my country of birth, Jamaica. Within a few sentences of our conversation, he flashed a big smile and said, "your country has been well represented here in the past. There was a couple who lived and worked here. They were worthy ambassadors of your country. Their names are Owen and Icy James."

When I shared the fact that we were not only acquainted with them, but were friends, we marveled at how small the world really is. I was pleased, but not surprised at his pronouncement. That is the couple we know! Owen, your footprints are all over the world. We are proud to have known and loved you, Icy, and the family. 

First met Owen in Zimbabwe, towards the end of his stint in that country. Met again in his visit through Namibia where I then resided , then in South Africa on the Cape. Great person, with a tremendous family. 
Got to know him through his writings, his vision: for Jamaica, for The Diaspora, for mankind in this difficult to understand universe.
We agreed about much and disagreed about some difficult to define things.
His use of the English language was not only singularly impeccable, but was profoundly descriptive of the nuances of human life and its' contradictions.
He fully understood the contradictions of being black in a Christian nation that believes in a Pre-Christian/Old-Testament  materialistic white autocracy. 
His writings have provided much for the Jamaican Diaspora, and the African Diaspora more generally.
A n enthusiastic athlete, a powerful and accomplished Miconian, a great family-man, an intellectual. a friend.
May he rest in PEACE!!!

Dr. C J Jackson

Dear Uncle – Although you are gone from us too soon, your light and love live on. The life you lived gave us a roadmap for our lives: how to love deeply and unconditionally; how to appreciate the family we have, but also to create the family we need to wherever we are; and to live life so fully that it leaves little time for regrets. A man of quiet intellect, you taught us so much. Your laugh was so infectious, but we also remember the boyish grin that seemed to tell a tale of secrets yet to be told. We grew up knowing how important family was because you and your siblings modeled it for us. You all also taught us to love our culture and who we were – it was in the love of the food, the stories, and, of course, the dancing. We will miss you so very much, but we’ll find comfort in remembering all that you have given us just by being you. As we turn through the pages in your book of life, we see a life well lived. Sleep well.  We love you – your nieces… Carol, Sharon and Denise!!

I, like all of Owen's relatives and friends, am completely overcome by the untimely passing of our strong, resilient, thoughtful, kind , generous, caring Friend.

Owen, from his early years at Mico Secondary demonstrated the maturity, self-confidence, determination, ambition you know would propel him to the heights of success. Icy, the love of his life, became the icing on the cake as they were virtually inseparable. How wonderful it was to listen to them complete each other's sentences! As a friend, he was always warm, hospitable, congenial and very supportive. He certainly has left his "footprints on the sands of time". Sonia and I sincerely mourn his loss.

When I think of Owen I think of a man who was kind, humble, inspiring, and devoted to his family. It was always wonderful to be in his presence and listen to his ideas and arguments.
I was grateful for his guidance on a challenging leadership coaching project. My client proved to be very difficult and was causing me a lot of stress. I had few people I could turn to that would truly understand the issues and delicate situation I was in... somehow I knew Owen would be able to provide me just the right words and actions to take. After several conversations with Owen, I settled on a strategy and while it did not completely change my client's outlook, I felt completely at peace in the work I delivered. 

I think I speak for all the "Old Ballers" .... we miss Owen and wish we could see him streaking across the field retrieving our stray balls, engaging with us after games, and occasionally being the voice of reason during our many boisterous arguments.  

Anabella and I send our love and deepest condolences  

May God bless the James family!

Michael and Anabella Mian



A friend and a sage is gone but not forgotten.

                                                    

Owen at my daughter’s wedding in Jamaica 2007



Owen James and my father, Horace Neil, attended Howard University together, and soon they became as close as brothers.  Uncle Owen and Aunt Icy were like second parents to me.  From my early childhood days of playing with Gordon in Kingston to my twenties while attending Rutgers University with Gregory, they were always there for me.  Uncle Owen often shared his wisdom as I graduated and started my career.  He advised me on navigating and meeting challenges in the workplace.  He offered a profound toast at my wedding, and my wife and I enjoy hearing him as we watch our wedding video every anniversary.

Uncle Owen shared so much with so many of us.  I feel as if he is still with us.  I hear his voice as I am still reading his book, “Sufferers’ Manifesto.” I do agree with him that the two-party duopoly is a major impediment to progress both in Jamaica and in the United States.  He wanted the best for Jamaicans and all oppressed people worldwide!  Uncle Owen’s spirit and wisdom lives on in the lives of those that he touched. Our love and deepest condolences to Aunt Icy, Gordon, Gregory, Wendy, Brianna, and Gabrielle.  Amaate, Christine, and family.


We met in our early days, while working for Colgate Palmolive’s Latin America Division, in 1977, during a meeting in Mexico City. I was working in Costa Rica and Owen in his beloved Jamaica. 

In the many ebbs and flows of our careers, we met several times and coincidentally had the occasion to closely work in the Africa & Middle East Division. 

Owen was always a source of good advice, ice-breaking humor and a well-respected leader of his teams. His many achievements in every location that he worked in will always be fondly remembered. 

In our latter years, we shared many stories about our Caribbean upbringing, since I was born and lived throughout my school years in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, where many Jamaican immigrants from the Diaspora came to live and called their home, but always carried Jamaica in their hearts. The vast majority of my school classmates were born to Jamaican ancestry parents. 

May you rest in peace, my friend. 

Jimmy Gerchow 

 

My sincere condolence to the bereaved biological family, friends, colleagues, community of our brother and friend Sir Owen E. James, I share your loss, He will be missed.  May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace and Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him. 

Fond memories, Uncle Owen, of the journey we walked together this side of the universe. Your lifting hand was there to assist, when at times, we lost our step along the many pathways. Encouraging us and cheering us, you were a great inspiration, and coach to our family. So generous of spirit, mind and heart always.  

Missing your ever-present wit and laughter and cherishing that you allowed us space to walk a mile or two together, our thoughts with Aunt Icy, Gordon and Greg and all the family and indeed everyone that you touched along your life’s journey. You made a tremendous difference to us all. We thank you for your generosity of heart. 

Cynthia, Maringe, Gwinyai & Garikai  

My heartfelt condolences to Icy and the James family on your loss.  We had the privilege of spending some time with Owen and Icy a while back in Africa where we experienced the warmth, courtesy and generosity of Owen.  The gentleman with the million dollar smile.  Heaven is receiving a star.  Rest in Eternal Peace.  
Genevieve & Peter Simpson

Owen was an inspiration to many and will be missed dearly.
Blessings to Icy and family.

From Cindy and Robert McClymont

Owen was a very charismatic, jovial and loved person and someone who lit up the room with his smile. 
He will be surely missed. 
On behalf of the Hue family, we wish the family God’s peace at this very difficult time.

“Daddy James”, as we affectionately called him, was a very special person to us. We called him Daddy, just like Greg and Gordon does, because he and “Mommy James” treated us like their own. Daddy James was a very special man and we are so thankful and blessed to have known him and spent quality time with him. 
He was a such a fun person to spend time with. We always enjoyed his jokes and the many stories about his life experiences. He was a wise man and  a trusted advisor to us and many others. He was very diplomatic and blended with any crowd in any situation. From organization boards to Rotary Club to parties to the honorary referee at our soccer games on Sundays, he fit in and stood out at the same time. We  enjoyed reading his books and talking to him about them as he was finalizing them. He also was a tremendous help to Norm when Norm was writing his book. Daddy’s laughter was contagious and he was always the life of the party. He has truly had a lasting impact on us and we will miss him greatly. 

James Family: 
My deepest and most sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved family's patriarch, Owen!  I remember the first time I met Owen, he reminded me so much of my dad with his salt n peppa hair and wry smile. Always warm, welcoming, humble yet generous of spirit with a brilliant smile that put everyone at ease.  

As I reflect on the last six months I believe that if the only thing that could have kept him alive was love, he would have lived for a very, very long time.  I know your world has changed with every passing day, but the memory that you all keep in your hearts will never fade away. 
I love you all and wish you peace.  Angella 

 Owen and I communicated over the years largely by email in which we discussed every topic under the sun including books, religion, cars, politics, climate change, Jamaica, and the racial divide. From time to time, we’d revert to an hours long phone call during which time we would solve “all the world’s problems" then and there in one fell swoop. 
He was extremely articulate with a clarity of thought that was oftentimes astounding. He read prolifically and widely and lately there were two topics that held particular interest for him namely the popularization of the electric car, and the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on society. 
Owen authored or coauthored several books, poems over his lifetime and would, for some inexplicable reason, send me copies of his early drafts for comments. I often wondered why as I am by no means an author, an intellectual or any of those things one normally associates with writing. I did however feel somewhat honored and indeed privileged that he would see fit to ask my opinion.
He was a devoted family man who loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren.  I recall last year during the lockdowns where his one wish was for this thing to end so I can get to HUG my grand daughters. I sincerely hope that he got his wish. 
Re his admirable work with Mico University, I never attended Mico but my father did. This, plus the fact that I was taught at some time by several ex Miconians , according to Owen qualified me as a Miconian . I was therefore conscripted by him to assist in his project and told to “go find as many ex Miconians “as I could. 
Owen my friend we will miss you dearly and to paraphrase the Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho “each of us will die one day. Better to do as the old Yaqui Indians did: regard death as an advisor. Always ask: ‘Since I’m going to die, what should I be doing now?’
Clearly dear friend you did ask that question and have already done your part by, amongst other things, paying it forward RIP.

By the time Icy and I rekindled our friendship after a number of years elapsed, she was married to Owen and mother of two children. A change in Owen’s career relocated them from Jamaica to Toronto. They were living on the same street as my family did.  For the first time I was meeting Owen, Gordon and Gregory. 
My admiration for Owen during our long friendship was his gentleness and quiet strength, his honesty and kindness, his brilliance, unquestionable commitment and deep love for his children, family and friends. I became aware of his mastery of the written language as a story teller, a publisher of many books, yet he remained humble.  
Our beloved Owen became ill and was taken away from us recently, without any wrongdoing, or notice of a specific or precise time.  A mighty and generous heart lay still. A life now cut short, is hard to accept,  a harsh reality. As much as we try to be prepared, and even as we get older and understand the inevitability of life, we are unable to face the harshness of a final, physical separation. So, when we lose someone precious, find it difficult to understand the reason why, we cry, we mourn and we grieve. It saddens us to an extreme and is therefore hard for us to accept that the natural order of life always prevails.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to choose how or when we are going to die. We only get a chance to decide how we are going to live. Owen lived a fulfilling, exciting, adventurous life with family and friends. These relationships were specially nurtured. 
With his leaving, there will definitely be a gap, a vacancy in our hearts and in our life.
He will not mingle with family and friends again. We won’t have the chance to hug him, dine with him or laugh with him.  A mighty, generous and great heart is now still.
I will miss you immensely OJ.


There are many beautiful things about Owen  that are of interest; part of the colorful, compelling fabric of his very successful life. (1)Guilford. Owen’s older brother, Guilford, was an inspiration to him, and represented a sort of template for his (Owen’s) own life. (2) Loving and Attentive Husband. He loved his wife, Icy, very much. They were like two peas in a pod (3) Father. Owen was an excellent dad. (4) Grandpa. He was a doting grandpa to Brianna and Gabrielle. (5)Marbles. As a youth, he enjoyed playing marbles.(6) King of Dominoes. He sometimes fancied himself a “ King of Dominoes”, and would sometimes engage me (Grace ) in discussions about ‘reading’ a game vs. ‘matching’ pieces of dominoes. (7) Me Too Movement. He was way  ahead of his time. He championed the rights of women (equality, equal pay, fairness in the workplace, etc.), long before it became common today). (8) Humanitarian. He  donated generously (money and time ) to a variety of charitable causes, e.g., cancer research, education of Jamaica’s youth, etc. (9) Jesus Christ/ God/ the Bible/Religion. Owen and I (Grace) had many lively debates about this topic. (10)Political Debate. He enjoyed an informative and animated debate about politics in the USA, Jamaica, Russia, etc., and about the different political and economic ideologies, e.g., capitalism, communism, socialism, Marxism, Darwinism (11)Suitcase. Owen always had a suitcase, with a pack of dominoes and a deck of cards, ready to travel/see/experience the wonderful world. (12)Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Owen was our modern day Tom Sawyer, with his best friend Huckleberry Finn, travelling down the mighty Mississippi of his life, tasting the nectar and different flavors of life, and taking us along with him to  enjoy the ride. (13) A Good Human Being. Most of all, Owen was a good human being. We loved him and miss him. R.I.P., older brother (by about one year).      


To: The James Family 
From: The Board Of  Directors - The Mico University College Foundation Of America.
Dear Mrs. Icy James and Family,
The Board of Directors, Management, Oher Operating Personell and   Volunteers of The Mico University College Foundation Of America (MUCFA) are saddened and devastated by the passing of our Chief Operating Officer and Secretary. We had hoped for his recovery, but that hasn't been the case. Our sincere condolences to you and the rest of the Family.
He was a giant of a man whose output was copious in his multiple roles as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Secretary of the Foundation. As one of the founding fathers of MUCFA he was instrumental in conceptualizing its legal framework, and fashioning its policies and operational procedures. 
The establishment MUCFA'S Secretariat and operating infrastructure are a part of the critical elements for which he must be credited, and some of which he accomplished almost singlehandedly.  
His fund raising efforts are of particular significance, as he used his networking skills and creative initiative to attract considerable funding in support of his work to serve the needs of his alma mater The Mico University College (MUC). 
His life's work of service to MUC remains unfinished, and must be carried on, but the void his passing has created will be difficult to fill. We will miss him  dearly.
Respectfully,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS  - MUCFA



On behalf of Shani and myself, we extend our deepest condolences to Icy and the James family. We had the honor of knowing Owen (Daddy James) since 2017. We would often see Owen on his daily walks of the community. Owen always had a smile on his face that would brighten everyone’s morning. 
He truly was an amazing man who accomplished so much in his lifetime. He was the life of the party, always engaging and endearing. He made everyone him feel welcome with just a smile. We can only imagine how difficult this time is for the James Family, but we pray God will continue to bless you with comfort, strength, and healing during this tough time. Daddy James, you will be missed and we can’t wait to see you again. 

Carletta and Family became close friends of Owen and family
since 1974 in Sterling Castle Red Hills Jamaica ,Owen was a beautiful
strong and caring man. He was very thoughtful and kind and always had a special smile. My first Job in Canada was because of Owen
in 1979. We were saddened by his passing, but know God wanted him in Heaven, to continue his writings and  special projects. He is watching over his family as a strong Guardian and will be forever missed by all who he touched with Love and genuine and sincere affection. His books tell a lot of the man he was. May his Soul Rest in Peace ,and special prayers to Icy, my soul sister, Gordon Gregory Wendy Grandchildren and his Brothers and family.
"Eternal Rest on to Him Oh Lord Grant Him Rest and Peace In Heaven"

“Adios muchacho compañero de mi vida, a la querida de aquellos tiempo”…those were the days my friend we thought would never end.

On behalf of Lois and myself I extend condolences to  to Ms Icy and the rest of the family.   I understand the pain of your loss  and just encourage you to trust in God  as he allows everything for a reason.  The hope of eternal life when Jesus comes is the great hope.   We hope to see our loved ones again. 

Dear James Family
May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.  We will always remember Owen’s wonderful smile.

Desmond L Malcolm JP PE.
Friend.

In the fall of 1964, I was fortunate to meet Owen Everard James in Washington, D.C. USA. We were freshmen at Howard University. Between  1965 and 1967 Owen Horace Neil and I became roommates and shared housing at two locations on Euclid St NW. Washington DC. It was during that period that Owen met via telephone the love of his life Icilda (Icy). Notwithstanding that we were impressed by Owen's intellect and maturity, but as big brothers , we were concerned that long late-night conversations between Owen and Icy may reduce his study time and affect his grades. He dispelled our concern when he graduated with honours in 3 years which was a full year ahead of the norm. Immediately after graduation Owen left Washington  and  married Icy shortly thereafter. We strongly believed that Owen's desire to be closer to Icy positively influenced his early graduation . 
As a couple, they were the most gracious host and I will be forever grateful for Owen and Icy opening up their home to me and my late spouse Eleanor for one month  on my return to Jamaica in 1973.
Owen's literary contribution to the world and Caribbean people in particular  is impressive. His two novels Sufferors Manifesto and Jamaican by Birth American by Choice gave insights into Owens special gift as a writer and historian. In one of his novels, he wrote "America is simultaneously a place of great opportunity and much contradiction and to succeed the immigrant must embrace the promise of bountiful opportunity even as he has to persevere." 
 His novels should be must-read material, particularly for Caribbean people. 

We offer our sincere condolences to his widow Icy, sons Gordon and Gregory, Grandchildren and all relatives.
We will always miss you, Owen.

Genet and I were privileged to get to know Owen James (whom we fondly called OJ) and his wife Icy in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1996. They were part of our wedding reception and we remember vividly OJ proposing the toast. We undertook numerous trips to various parts of Zimbabwe and spent weekends together. Time and again while Genet and Icy were busy with other activities, I challenged OJ to a match of squash but I  never won a single game. We will never forget OJ, his kindness, his captivating smile and glaring eyes peeping out of his head covered with beautiful white hair.  Go well OJ and rest in perfect peace until we meet again. 

Owen’s  70th Birthday  cruise .  Gracious hosts, unforgettable memories.

Brenda & I had our 1st fortuitous meeting with Icy and Owen in the early 2,000’s at our mutual good friends home Carol & Arthur Comrie. Owen & Icy visiting from Africa and we were visiting from Jamaica. Our 2nd meeting after both families had moved to Orlando was at a theatrical performance by Debra Ehrhardt’s at the reading of her book. Icy and Owen always in support of the arts and Jamaicans performing in Florida, Icy had rallied all her friends and their friends to buy tickets, we saw Icy organizing her rows and rows of seats and she looked back, saw us, and we connected, as we gathered afterwards our friendship was cemented. 
In losing Owen we have lost a friend, mentor, music and arts love, a passionate humanitarian and wonderful husband and father. His wonderful smile, that beautiful hair and deep warm laugh, always the life of the party and acceptor of all.  It’s very difficult to come to grips with his absence, he was “all in” as the saying goes for his family, friends and community both here and in Jamaica.
I (Don) will certainly miss our many discussions, love of music and his energetic rhetoric on a myriad of subjects, his insightful authorship, having read all of his books and in particular his vision for the restoration of the Jamaican political system as outlined in Sufferer’s Manifesto.
It is with great sadness that we mourn our loss, we wish darling Icy, Gordon, Gregory, Wendy, Brianna and Gabrielle love, strength at this tough time. Take the time to enjoy your amazing memories of which you have many, as we also will enjoy our ever-lasting memories of our dear friend Owen.
Don & Bren 



TOO SHORT TOO SHORT

We were saddened and heartbroken at the death of your husband. We want you to know how we felt as he was greatly admired and loved by us. He was extremely professional, friendly and kind to everyone. This is only after knowing him since about 2017 when we partnered with the MUCFA organization he helped create. We're glad we had the chance to read his books and Karen knew him best through her Executive Director work on the MUCFA Board.

My family joins me in deepest sympathy to you and members of your family. It was a privilege to be acquainted with a person possessing such strong characteristics: professionalism, knowledge, compassion, charm, and willingness to communicate with various groups. It is an irreparable loss. However, he does continue to touch the world in various ways and lives on in everyone's hearts.

May God's blessings comfort you and your family during this somber time.

Peace be unto you Icy.

Melva (mother), Karen and Maurice (children) Kennedy



May the PEACE and STRENGTH of THE LORD be with the James Family now and the days and months ahead. I will always remember Owen with that sweet smile that made his eyes light up so brightly. His quiet nature was so calming.  Observing from the outside I could tell he loved his family and gave his all to them. I also noticed how much he adored Icy. He will be missed by many. 
Love Margo (Princess)

Owen James was more than the father of our dear friends. He was a role model of overall excellence. He was a mentor, distinguished author, humanitarian, but the greatest of these - our beloved Daddy James. We always felt accepted and loved by him, as if we were his own biological children. 
We know he is still laughing, dancing, and sharing his knowledge in the next life.
We will forever miss you Daddy J!

James Family, we love you and will always be here to support you.

Love, The Barnes Family-
Peter, Jennifer, Tyler and Myles

To the Family of Mr. Owen E. James, 
Our hearts are broken and he will be truly missed.  In the 17 years of our friendship, he was a true man, wonderful, honest, heartfelt warmth, EVER time we were in his presence, always showing his kind & sincere love for you Icy, and his boys, but he was never a Kumoochin with letting some it spill over to his friends. Because of those  outstanding qualities, he will always be in our hearts.  

Thinking of you all as you celebrate Mr Owen E. James remarkable life. 

Alex  & Jim 

Loved, loved, loved Mr. James and love his lovely wife Ms. Icy. The James family overall are wonderful people. Mr. James himself always was such an endearing person, kind and thoughtful and enjoyed sharing his spirit and good laughter with anyone in his presence. I know my life long friend Gordon loved his father dearly, and so did all of us friends of Gordon in Los Angeles. Mr. James carried with him the “LOVE” everywhere he went.  - Vanoy 

Uncle Owen's smile! There's so much in his smile - warmth understanding, wisdom and love x 

Uncle Owen and Aunt Icy are part of our wedding story as they were the first stop on our honeymoon.  Their hospitality was so gracious and I remember them telling us the wonderful story of how they met and their secrets to a long and happy marriage.  We were treated to a lovely Jamaican breakfast and then escorted to our ship where we witnessed typical married couple bickering over directions and back seat driving!  So much fun to witness!  We will never forget Uncle Owen's kindness, that infectious smile and those starry eyes.
We will all miss him terribly.
Rest in peace Uncle Owen

WEB TRIBUTE REMEMBERING OWEN JAMES
 
Precious memories of a friendship sustained across the years and continents, shine a light into our  deep sadness at OJ’s passing and will, we hope, bring comfort to the family. Space permits only a few.
OJ, recounting in our early morning jog, the story of his lived experiences socially and at the workplace in the Caribbean, North America and Africa. Documenting his reflections in his published works to inspire future generations.
OJ and Icy, our gracious and generous hosts, piloting us hundreds of miles across Zimbabwe to visit historic landmarks. 
OJ on the dancefloor at his 75th birthday party. Entertaining the next day at home a wide network of family and friends gathered from across the globe to celebrate the love radiating from OJ and Icy.
OJ and Icy’s frequent visits to Jamaica to connect with family and friends, to ensure that their children and grandchildren knew their roots, and to contribute to the education of needy students of his alma mater, The Mico University College.
These and other unforgettable memories will keep OJ alive in our hearts. Together we will find strength in OJ’s loving legacy. For love is stronger than death.
 
Carl and Shirley Carby
Kingston, Jamaica
 
 

Owen our dear friend has departed.  I still cannot believe that he is no longer physically here with us.  I have so many happy memories of Owen.  He was a wonderful friend and mentor.  I have had situations in my life where I have gone to Owen for advice, and he was always insightful, helpful and at times showing me a different perspective. 

I have always admired Owen for his integrity and wonderful sense of humor.  With all his various accomplishments, I would run out of superlatives to describe them all, yet he has never blown his own horn.  His ability to relate to the most influential minds, connect, and relate to the ordinary man in the street that sees him as friend, was amazing. We have been friends for the past twenty years and I will always cherish the times we spent together. Confucius once said that the reason why rivers and seas are paid such homage by mountain streams is because they keep below them. Owen fully understood that concept. 

One of the pleasant things I remember about Owen is how much he loved and cared for his wife Icy. (As most of us know Icy is a late sleeper) When we were on our eight weeks cruise, Owen would come down to the dining room early in the morning to get Icy her tea and maybe a snack, took it up to their cabin and then, came back to dine with us.  Most of us would have had breakfast, then take her tea and snack, not Owen he had to serve his wife first.

What a beautiful Soul!!

Beautiful soul, you have made your transition ahead of us and we are not able to say whether we will meet again as no one knows for sure what happens after death, but one thing is certain we will always remember you because you will always be in our hearts.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Icy, Gordon, Greg and the rest of the James family.

Rest well our FRIEND.
Mike and Millie Saunders

Owen loved his music and often showed it in his dancing.
Rest In Peace friend, you have been received by the angels!!
Dennis, Kaye, Denyse and Natalie Palmer

I have known Owen and Icy for over 50 years when Icy and I worked at the Jamaica Telephone Company together. My husband Louis (Tony) Phillips (now deceased) lived with the James household for part of his young adult life. Both couples were married two weeks apart. 
“O" as I affectionately called him, was such a meek and mild person with that welcoming broad smile. I have never seen Owen angry or upset over anything, always had a kind word. 
I will certainly miss calling Icy and asking to speak to "O."
May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him.

Rev Cheryl (Pam) Phillips and family 

Photos with Eileen, Flo, Larry, and Dennis

When I think of my Uncle Owen, I always hear his laugh, loud and clear, in my mind. Uncle Owen laughed loud and hard. He put everything into it and he found much in life that made him laugh. My mother often tells the story of when Uncle was visiting Montreal, he took my brother for a haircut, and came home with a bald-headed child.  I believe my mom was upset (although over the years the story has shifted to mild amusement), but Uncle Owen just hugged her and laughed, loud.  A hug from Uncle Owen could soothe a lot of hurt.
   When my own father died, I was barely a teenager and Uncle Owen faithfully wrote to me from Africa for a long time.  Those letters are some of the only bright spots in a very dark time in my life.  The times when a letter would arrive with the exotic postage stamp from Kenya, it would always brighten my day.  My Uncle Owen loved  long and deep. Those who are loved by Owen feel it down to their souls and always find comfort in it.
  Uncle Owen lived loud and well.  He worked hard, travelled a lot, entertained often and most importantly kept his family close.  At Uncle Owen and Aunt Icy's home (wherever they were!) there was always, always laughter, good food, good music and dominoes.  
  There is so much else to say about him but nothing can be said about Uncle Owen without including Aunt Icy.  They have always been partners in everything - not one of these stories would be without my Aunt Icy.  She is the strength behind his strength. 
  While I will miss and mourn my Uncle Owen tremendously, I will try to live what I have learned from him:  LAUGH LOUD, LOVE DEEP and LIVE WELL.  
Carol James

We have many fond memories of Owen, but one that is especially illustrative occured when we found ourselves locked out of our home after a 24 hour journey home from Japan.  We had just moved into the neighborhood and did not know Owen or Icy very well.  Owen, with Icy of course, opened his home to us with his inimitable hospitality and made us comfortable while my parents drove for two-hours to bring us another key.  By the time our key had arrived, we had forgotten all about our troubles and were thoroughly enjoying ourselves with food, drinks, and Owen's warm company.  We consider ourselves so fortunate to have been able to live next to Owen and share many other good times with him and Icy in the subsequent years.  We will miss him dearly.  We extend our deepest condolences to Icy and the rest of the James family.
With love,Jeff and Tomoka Brabham

Dear Owen-san,

I enjoyed playing golf with you when I visited my daughter Tomoka, your next door neighbor. Thank you for treating me well during the round and taking me out for a wonderful lunch. I was hoping to play a few rounds with you again once the coronavirus pandemic ended and things returned to normal.

Sincerely,
Yoneharu Makino, Tomoka Brabham's Dad, from Japan

As fate would have it, our son and Owen’s & Icy’s son attended college together and became good friends. As a result, we met Owen & Icy at one of our now mutually “adopted” son’s wedding about 19 years ago. We immediately felt the warmth of this wonderful couple.
Icy was very instrumental in helping us to find our first home in Florida, and eventually we moved close by about 16 years ago. We quickly became friends with Owen & Icy and have grown to be very close over the years. We spent lots of time together socially, and as traveling buddies. One of our most memorable trips was a 58-day cruise with some of our other dear friends. Those 58 days were wonderful, and fun filled. Everyone on the ship knew us as the “Jamaican party & Domino playing fun people”. The band would seek us out to let us know time and place of their next performance, as we were seen as the “JA fun group”, and, of course, Owen was the ”dancing king” and the life of the party. Our most recent trip together was just one week before Owen’s unfortunate illness. As always, we had a great time with Owen, and we will forever cherish all of our wonderful memories of him.
Owen was one of the most fun, easy going, welcoming, kind, funny and considerate persons we have ever known. He is the ultimate friend (as a side bar: Pam and Owen would affectionately call each other “Uncle Owen & “Auntie Pam”, the always “ready to go” pals). Owen had a contagious laugh, when he laughed, it made us laugh; but he was also a deep thinker and an engaging conversationalist. Owen was our dear friend, and his death is a tragic loss to us, but his legacy will live on in us. 
To Icy, Gordon, Greg, Wendy, Brianna & Gabby, know that we are always here for you in all respects. Please accept our deepest condolences for your irreplaceable loss. 
Rest In Peace our dearest friend, until we meet again.
Love always,
Donovan & Pam

​A TRIBUTE TO
 OWEN EVERARD JAMES
 
 My relationship with Owen started with the Secondary Class Experiment and grew stronger at Howard University. At a Freshmen Orientation session, I heard someone calling my name.  I spun around and saw Owen.  I was happy.  I found a friend.
 Owen and I did not have many classes together but I was aware of his academic performance.  He took extra courses and attended Summer School, completing the academic requirements for graduation a full semester ahead of the scheduled date.  He also achieved the academic distinction of cum laude and membership in the Honors Program.
 Howard students were sometimes terrorized by groups of teenagers calling themselves Block Boys.  Owen and a few other Jamaican men were our bodyguards, escorting us from campus activities to the dormitories. One night someone asked Owen what he would do if we were attacked by the Block Boys and they asked him if he was a man or a mouse. In a squeaky voice Owen answered "I'm a mouse."
 At the end of the first year at HU, we moved to independent living in the city.  My roommate and I lived within walking distance to Owen and his roommates.  We did not have a telephone so I visited Owen and his roommates quite often to call home.  Owen monitored my phone calls and decided if the call was necessary.  He was now Big Brother.
 The Hon. Keith D. Knight is one of Owen's close friends.  He hosted many Friday night potluck gatherings, turned house parties, at his T Street, NW house.  Owen, who loved music and dancing, was always on the dance floor doing his thing.
Owen was a family man who loved his wife Icy, sons Gordon and Gregory, his grandchildren, and siblings.  He was a jovial soul, a magnet for friends. a kind, selfless, focused man of many talents and accomplishments.  
 I pray that the Lord will grant Owen eternal rest.  May his soul through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Soar high my dear friend.  I will always remember you.
 Barbara E. Smith 

Owen, it is so hard to believe that you are no longer with us.  We will miss the healthy conversations, the laughter and of course the visits we shared.
Icy and family, we can only imagine the pain you are feeling knowing that the love of your lives is no longer with you in person.  Owen has left you with such beautiful memories we pray those memories will see you through the difficult days ahead.
Our love and prayers will always be with you

Owen was a man for all seasons and all generations, no wonder he was loved by so many.  He had honesty, integrity and a great knack for listening.  He was a philosopher, a wordsmith and an intellectual with no disdain for physical labor as when he came with rake in hand to help us spread river rocks on our front lawn. We will miss his kind heart, his infectious laughter, his indelible intellect...his friendship.
Rest peacefully Owen, we love you always.
Adrian and Dorothy Chuck

Owen was an amazing man.  He possessed a quiet intelligence, wit and kindheartedness.
His love for Icy was so obvious; especially when he would take her into his arms to dance.  It was as if no one else was in the room.
Owen's eyes would twinkle when he spoke of his sons, daughter-in-law and precious granddaughters.  He was so proud of them and his entire family.  We extend our sincerest condolences and love to Icy and the James family.  His passing is a great sorrow for all who loved him.
Owen's friendship was a blessing  we will always treasure.  We will miss our friend.

There were three things that Owen didn’t leave home without…his smile, his humor and his intellect.  I’m disappointed that we did not spend more time together to know each other better.  It’s somewhat surprising because I grew up not too far from him.  Dorothy and I are saddened by his passing and pray that his family will find comfort and strength during this time,

Floyd and Dorothy Graham

I never met Owen James in person. I met him through his exuberance on three public, education projects. I read his 2010 memoir - Jamaican by Birth, American by Choice. The second project was through his effort to help establish the Mico University College Fund of America (MUCFA); the purpose of which, to provide scholarship for promising teachers. He endowed some $50,000 to this fund. The third project is his 2021 co-edited book – Our Story: Jamaica’s Visionary Experimental Secondary Classes 1954-1960. I most appreciate that we could disagree strongly about interpretations of our history but we could agree on an enabling solidarity around the importance of education as uplift! I am sorry that the MOSA 100 Publication Committee will not have his “can-do” energy in producing our book. You made your contributions my brother. Farewell! Yvonne Shorter Brown

Dear Owen,
We all will miss your wisdom, your knowing smile, your commitment, your model of family life, and your belief in helping others to achieve their best levels of thought and performance.
You are alive and well in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing you personally, through your extensive and successful professional life, through your writings and collaborations, and especially through your living of your alma mater’s motto, “ Do it with thy might”
No doubt William Shakespeare spoke of you when he wrote:
“ His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world, “ THIS WAS A MAN .”


Owen was my buddy and I miss him every single day.
When I lace up my shoes each morning to walk, when I’m working in the shop, when I’m stringing green beans.
I miss all of the countless hours we spent discussing current events. I valued Owens opinions and he valued mine, and on a few very rare occasions we agreed to disagree.
Owen and Icy welcomed Ann and I into their lives and shared their home, their family and their friends with us as though we too were family.
I pray for peace and strength for Icy, Gregory, Gordon, Wendy, Brianna and Gabrielle.
Thank you to my buddy Owen, who enriched my life for 17 years in countless ways. 
One day I will leave this earth a better man for having known him.

Rest well my friend,

Jim Gritt

My dearest Owen,
I am sure you had no idea the impact you had, not only on your family but friends as well.
Your devotion to your wife, children and grandchildren was admirable.
Owen you were smart, kind and caring. One felt so comfortable in your company.
You were truly one of a kind.
We miss you so much, but the memories we share, will last for ever.
Sleep well my friend.
Love always

I wish to add one final indelible memory I have of Owen which  illustrates his mastery of the English language with another extract from his message to me following the death of my wife Yvonne in December 2018, less than nine months after we began email correspondence.

It is often said about circumstances such as this that the less said the better. In our case, I do not think that this applies. I can only imagine the impact of the void Yvonne's absence will bring to your life. Your love and admiration of her was palpable and revealed much about you both and how much you shared of the things that make life much more than just a shared presence. I recall with a smile our relatively trivial and funny exchange on your less than flattering observations about poetry. Still, I hope that you will accept this excerpt from my book, Brackets, differently since I cannot imagine a more personally meaningful way in which to express the extent to which I do not merely understand but actually share your profound loss. 
 

Heavy heart.

Vacant voice.

Pain too fierce subverts itself

Leaving numbness and grief,

Weighty shadows, in a tender place.

Time, eternally abundant,

Offers no reliable respite

Save that besieged hope may muster

Meager comfort to a wavering soul.

Wounded by loss so piercing

Vitality unstable threatens departure

Afraid, uncertain the scope of its loss.

I deeply appreciate your gracious consideration to share this terrible moment in your life with an unmet but genuine friend. Please continue to stay in touch. No doubt you will stroll from time to time by the disheartening stream of despair. My insistent hope for you is that you will never feel the need to wade into it.

I will forever cherish these kind, caring, thoughtful words and the Internet friendship we continued to enjoy.

Owen has left us, and we feel his absence keenly; but today we are still grateful for the life he lived so wisely, so fully, with such integrity, with such dignity, and with such grace. 
Today, our family mourns his loss, but we also celebrate the years of almost lifelong friendship we enjoyed with him, Icy, Gordon and Gregory.  We rejoice that our own lives were enriched by Owen’s sharp intellect, his dry sense of humor, his caring and compassion.  We are blessed to have known him, and he will live on in our memory.
Miguel, Andrew, Laura, Elizabeth and Angela Gallimore


Owen James was a man of many talents. 
An author of many books, a prolific writer and a man of honour. Above all he was a dedicated and faithful husband, father and grandfather and a great friend to many. I have known Owen  for over 40 years and have been very fortunate to be his friend. Owen I shall miss you.

I first came to know Daddy James through mutual friends living in Orlando but really became inspired by his life’s work after reading his book – Jamaican By Birth; American By Choice. I keep a signed copy from his 2016 visit to the Palaver International Literacy Festival in Wasaga Beach close to my desk. His stories of navigating and ultimately overcoming the many racially driven challenges in the corporate world all those years ago are even more instructive today. I was particularly drawn to his ‘J’ rule and how he relied on its pragmatism to make decisions. I have taken advantage of this approach in my own career. We met in person in 2017 and probably spent more than an hour in the middle of a party discussing leadership, climbing the corporate ladder as a Black executive in North America, overcoming adversity and exploring the lessons learned from his career leading teams all over the world with today’s reality. I looked forward to continuing our chat but that was not to be. To Mummy James and the rest of the family, please take solace in knowing that your beloved served as an inspiration to many through his accomplishments, humility and ever present desire to share his knowledge and experiences. 
Rest well Daddy James.    


I met Owen James 29 years ago. As a young consultant, I sat in on a workshop Owen led at a plant he managed. We talked over lunch that day and I knew instantly I had met a friend and mentor. Within weeks, Owen introduced me to Icy, Gordon and Gregory. It became obvious I did not just meet a friend, I had gained an extended family.   We enjoyed house parties, dinners (Icy’s culinary genius) anniversaries and weddings together.  Whether during special occasions or a brief visit, Owen was there with a listening ear, words of wisdom and an infectious smile.  To our James family, know that Georgette and I are ready and able to assist you in any way we can.  Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. May your memories of OJ give you the strength to cope during this difficult time.  To my friend and mentor, Rest In Peace. 

OBITUARY

Owen Everard James

December 24, 1941 – January 22, 2022

Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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