Ray S. James

Ray Solomon James (Brother Ray) was born on March 2, 1938, to the late Addie Wingo James and Edward James in Hertford, North Carolina. Ray attended Early Childhood classes in Portsmouth, VA; K-6 at Douglass Elementary School; Middle school grades 6-8 at Peabody and Junior High at IC Norcum. It was during this time that Ray became known to many of his friends by the moniker “Brother Ray”. He graduated from Central High School in Newark, NJ in 1956. Following his high school graduation, Brother Ray served in the United States Army from 1956 to1960, where he was stationed at Schofields Barracks in Oahu. He served as a member of the military police. He also boxed, holding the title “Light Middle-weight Boxing Champion.” Upon returning from the military, Brother Ray's career spanned 39 successful years in the State of New Jersey, working at the U.S. Post Office (1960-1969), as an Elementary School Teacher (1966-1985); and as Project Coordinator in Newark Schools (1985-1999). Ray graduated from Newark State Teachers College in 1966 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and in 1999 with a Masters of Arts Degree in Supervision and Administration from Kean College (now Kean University), in Union, New Jersey. Natalie and Ray were married Saturday, August 2, 1982 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. After retiring from the Newark, NJ school system, Ray and Natalie came to the Dover, DE area as retirees. Ray and Natalie enjoyed bowling, dining at Modern Maturity Center (a senior citizen center), selling paraphernalia at Motorcycle Round Ups. Also, he was a member of the Executive Board of the Delaware Afro-American Hall of Fame (DAASHF). Brother Ray leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Natalie Bracken James; his children, Michelle James, Gordon James and Shariff James; his brother, Edward James, Jr.; grandchildren, Michaela James, Myka James, Ziewe Dinardo, Alasha James, and Layla James; stepchildren, Cheryl Bracken Burris, Donald Bracken, and Carl Bracken; special cousins, John and Johnnie Lister; as well as many special family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred and Vernon and his sisters, Daisy, Mary, and Shirley. Brother Ray was loved dearly by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by a multitude of family and friends. Lovingly Submitted By, The Family

Ray S. James

March 2, 1938 - February 23, 2021