Bernard Louis James Sr.'s Obituary
Bernard Louis James Sr. was born January 8th, 1941, to Joseph and Rita James in New Orleans, LA. He shared his joy and enjoyed life to the fullest until our lord called him home on November 18th, 2022.
He married Carmel Johnson on October 20th, 1962 and was only allowed to visit his mother’s house when she would get upset and put him out after a dispute.
Letter to my love.
To my one in a million Lover.
Bernard, without you my life would have been not so good. To have a man who was areal man was Great; as a husband (Lover) father and friend. I love you still and miss you. My only saving Blessings is when is when God calls me home to be with you, then I, my love will truly be complete. My one in a million.
Your Lover
Wifey Carmel
Bernard served in the Army as a boxer and a cook. After obtaining his general education degree, he was honorably discharged. He worked various jobs to support his family until he decided to further his education and earned his Associate of Arts degree from Laney College. Soon after, he completed his apprenticeship to become an aircraft mechanic for the Department of the Navy until his retirement in his early 50’s. All the while continuing to enjoy his zest for life.
Bernard was a fighter and not just because he boxed during his military service. This man beat cancer three times, and fought asbestosis for 50 years. If you asked him, he’d say “I’m doing great! with a smile, and you would never know his trials. He loved his family with all his heart, treated friends as family and treated acquaintances as friends. He taught us how to enjoy everything in life.
Former Grand Knight of the Knights of Saint Peter Claver Council 122, Former President of the Claver Club. Saint Louis Bertrand Volunteer. Basketball and Softball coach. St. Vincent de Paul food giveaway program leader. Big smile Usher at Sunday mass. Chief Union Steward I.A.M & A.W. Int’l Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge #739. Logged thousands of hours in front of slot machines. Pinochle master. Checker shark. His personal passion? For over 20 years he was Oakland’s premier Karaoke Disc Jockey working at all the top venues. Great Husband, Father, Grand Father and Great Grand Father. There was always a positive side to every situation. His joyous competitive spirit brought the best out of his children. His presence will be missed dearly, but his spirit will live within us. We can only hope to instill his attributes for generations to come.
Bernard is preceded in passing by parents Joseph Exioul and Rita Mary Amanda James Sr. and Joseph James Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Carmel, his four children, Bernard Jr. (Sonya), Michael I (Kathleen), Kevin Sr. (Belinda) and his wonderful daughter Maria. Sisters: Elaine Ashworth and Brenda Pendleton (Phil), Brothers: Alfred “Byron” (Hazel), Wayne (Debbie) and sister-in-law Doris “Dot”. Eight Grand Children, four Great Grand Children and numerous nieces and nephews. Last but not least, friends who became family.
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