Lawrence B. James

Lawrence B. James was born on May 17, 1931 in Philadelphia PA to the late Richard and Elsie James, the 5th oldest of nine children 6 girls and 3 boys. Educated in Philadelphia Public School System, he went on to attend Howard University. While attending Howard University, he decided to enlist in the US. Air Force. While serving in the Air Force, he continued his education at The University of Syracuse. After his tour ended, he attended Temple University where he received his Bachelor Degree in Political Science and Economics. At a very young age, Larry discovered that he wanted to earn his own money and at the age of six began selling carnations for Mother’s Day for 25 cents each, at 12 his older sister work at a dental laboratory and he was able to make money by delivering dental prosthetics from the laboratory to the patients homes, this work ethic would continue throughout his entire life. He acquired employment through the Federal Government beginning with a short term with the U.S. Postal system, then on to Social Security serving 10 years as an Claims Adjuster and 16 years in Philadelphia Region III office as the Parent Program and Social Service Specialist in the Head Start Bureau of Administration Children, Youth, and Families Division. He was President of AFGE Local 2006, Social Security Program Center in Philadelphia from 1963 to 1969. He helped organize the First Social Security Council of Payment Center Local uniting New York, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Birmingham, San Francisco and Chicago. He served on special labor-management committees established to review agency's personnel, policies and procedures and made recommendation for improvement which enhanced the policies for agencies like Naval Aviation Supply Depot, Philadelphia Navy Yard, US. Post Office and Social Security Administration. As a Parent Program Specialist he organized Head Start Parents into independent decision making groups on local, state, and regional levels in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. One of his most notable endeavors while working in Region III with a national impact was to serve as Project Manager for the Economic Self-Sufficiency initiative (ESS). The initiative was instrumental in developing a training program to enhance the job-readiness skills for families of children enrolled in the Head Start programs ESS initiative was designed to facilitate the employment, training, and continued education of families the list goes on and on, a career that last 33 years until he retired in 1985 at the age of 53. Larry was blessed to obtain an excellent education which prepared him with the skills to explore different avenues, so shortly after retiring from the Government in 1985 he, alongside three close friends Powell James, Frank Johnson, and Henry (Hank) Bayne (all deceased), founded and opened their own Consulting Firm where they assisted individuals in all legal areas. Larry’s love for helping and assisting others would not allowed him to stop there, so in 1992 at the age of 60 he decided to return to the workforce where he took a position with Camden County of New Jersey working as an investigator for Affirmative Action until 2006 when he transferred to the Resource Center to serve as an instructor for the Work First program assisting individual's with training that would allow them to further their education to obtain gainful employment until August 2013 at the age of 82 due to declining health was forced to enter his final retirement. Larry served on the Human Relations Commission for Camden County and the State of New Jersey. He also had a love for politics, and held the title of Committeeman several times he served as the President of the Chesilhurst School Board for 20 years. Larry was a certified Hypnotistologist and conducted multiple Hypnotic workshops and individual Hypnotic session to help people with smoking and eating habits. He was one of the most intelligent, caring and loving person you will have ever encountered always looking out for the wellbeing of others, one of God’s amazing creations and we were blessed that God shared him with our family. Larry life was the definition of helping and serving people without prejudice. Sadly, Larry departed this life on Monday July 20, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Patricia (Pat) James, 2 sons Reginald James, Michael James (who proceeded him in death), 3 daughters Leslie Robinson, Rae Robinson-Dingle, and Allison Robinson, 1 Sister Patricia (Peggy) Johnson, 1 Sister In-Law Tuletha (T) James,10 Grandchildren, 22 Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Nephews, Special Friends Jim and Nancy Peeler, and a host of other relatives and good friends There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at a later date. We the family want to express are gratitude for all the kind words, prayers and support we received during this difficult time we’re praying God’s love, joy, peace, happiness and favor upon you all.