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Obituary for Abraham William James, Jr.
In Loving Memory
Abraham William James, Jr. (Billy), was the 1st born child to the late Abraham William James, Sr. and Carrie Isabella Thoroughgood James on November 25, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA. The family consisting of Abe Sr., "Isabell" and Constance lived in the West Philadelphia section of the city for the majority of their upbringing and were a happy and normal working class family and great addition to their community.
In 1962, Billy joined the Army as a Cryptologist and served in various countries until 1967 where he was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve.
Billy's education included a Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Curtis Institute, Temple University and the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. Although his vocation was computers he was a very popular Philadelphia Jazz Musician and worked with some of the greats, including Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner and many more.
Billy was employed by various companies due to his computer skills, but his final employment was at Drexel University, where was the Facilities Administrator and part-time Professor.
In the early 70's, Billy met and married Barbara Richardson. On August 5, 1973 she gave birth to their only son, Christopher James. Throughout the years, Billy and his only son were very active in helping his father Abe, Sr. care for his many rental properties and was able to instill a pride in ownership that he inherited from his father.
On November 23, 2011, Billy passed away due to complications from a short bout with pneumonia. He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Christopher James; 3 grandchildren, Brianna, Cierra and Christopher, Jr. (CJ); daughter-in-law Shawnee James; sister, Constance; 2 aunts, Sarah Reid and Mary Dixon and a host of relatives and friends.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Wood Funeral Home, Inc. - 5537-39 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
