Richard "Rick" E James

Richard E. James Jr. (also known as "Rick”) passed away October 14, 2023, at Lahey Medical Center of Burlington MA. in the presence of Betty (longtime partner), Anthony (his stepson), his brother Steven "Skip" (brother) and Patricia(sister-in-) law) and the medical team.

Richard was born September 15, 1955, to the parents of Cornelius and Richard E. James Sr. Richard was the eldest of 2 sons. He lived and grew up in Roxbury and the South End sections of Boston, MA. most of his life. with the assistance of his grandparents Clara and Henry Murray (both deceased).

Richard received his education within the Boston Public School System and graduated from English High School.

Richard loved playing pool, he was so good at the game he was given the name "Freeze", cards (poker) and socializing with other members of the South End Men's Social Club. Richard would always say "that's my second home", "that's where I find peace and comfort". Richard loved to walk. He would walk long distances to reach his destinations.

Richard held various jobs throughout his life. He started off shining shoes in the downtown crossing subway station (Orange line) of the Boston Transit System and moved into retail sales in several major department stores and other places.

Later in life Richard found his passion for work. The passion he found was working in the construction field. He worked with a variety of construction companies (too many to name), until he was introduced to Thomas J. Chippendale of Thomas Chippendale Construction. Mr. Thomas Chippendale (master carpenter) hired "Rick” as an apprentice and guided and supervised him during his training. While he continued to work with T.J. Chippendale on a part-time basis as work slowed down. Richard continued to look for work and applied to Kevin Cradock Builders.

During his employment with Kevin Cradock, he learned to "expect the extraordinary" and he spoke of new skills and accomplishments he learned on a daily basis to Betty, his significant other.

Several years ago, while working with Cradock construction Richard fell ill. However, he continued to work while seeking medical attention and "fight the fight" (as he would say) until he was unable to continue his employment due to progression of the disease process. Richard became dependent on others to care for him when his condition worsened and had to be hospitalized but he continued to "fight the fight" with a great deal of Pride, Dignity and Determination until October 14, 2023., when his fight on earth ended and his walk into heaven began.

Richard cherished his relationship with his longtime partner Betty W of more than 30 years.

Richard enjoyed working and loved helping others, he made himself available when the calls came for work, no matter what the weather.

Richard spent a great deal of time with Pastor Sybil Dunwoody learning more about the teachings of God and how those teachings impacted one’s life.

Richard was preceded in death by: Cornelius French James (mother); Richard E. James Sr.(father), Clara and Henry Murray (grandparents); Edna Edlow (aunt); Mary Blakney, Ruthell Wall (stepmothers); Clarence L, "Monty" Fowlkes (brother-in-law); Anthony Holley(brother) Sharon Holley (sister) and daughter Tanisha James.

Richard is survived by: Jesse James. (brother); Betty W. (longtime partner); Steven "Skip'" Holley. (brother); Patricia Holley (sister-in-law); Marsha, Curtis, Eddie and Crystal Blakney (brothers and sisters); Sandra Boyd (aunt); Anthony Wright (stepson); Annie "Mama" Fowlkes (mother-in-law); Harrison brother-in-law); Elaine W. Fowlkes. (sister-in -law); Hilda Fowlkes. (sister in-law); Kirk Woods (brother-in-law); and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, aunts and uncles, extended family members and co-workers of Massachusetts.

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