James C. Stokes

JAMES C. STOKES JR., the beloved son of Geraldine Powell Scott and the late James C. Stokes Sr., was born on January 7, 1968 in Washington, D.C. He was always a very quiet child and loved to play sports, football being his favorite. On November 9, 2002, he married the love of his life, Gail Hopkins-Stokes. On October 25, 2014, James, aka "Stokey" or "Big Daddy", was called home to be with the Lord and Savior, surrounded by his loving family. James gave his life to Christ when he joined Bethel AME Church, 1993. His love for God and his wife, James then joined New Christian Memorial Church on her birthday May 2, 2012, where his wife was already a member. After graduating from High Point High School in 1986,James knew how important education was. With determination and motivation, he sent out 100 letters to colleges asking them to accept him on a football scholarship. Morgan State University accepted him and he graduated in 1997,with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Still eager to soar higher, he continued his education at Coppin State University in 2005 receiving his first Master's Degree- in Criminal Justice; as well as the second Master of Education degree from Howard University in 2010. He was currently pursuing his Ph.D in Social Work at Morgan State University. He was a man of integrity, courage, great character, and ambition. He was an astounding family man; he devoted his life to providing for his family. James would always extend his hand to guide or help anyone no matter if it was mentoring or monetary. James had a giving heart; he would help his extended family as well as opening his home to his nieces and nephews. Buying clothing and food, giving his own money to the troubled adolescents he mentored, as well as the homeless. He supported and encouraged many children, as well as family and friends to set goals and strive to achieve them. His favorite quotes with his family, as well the young adolescents he counseled, "It doesn't matter where you are, and you are nowhere compared to where you can go." He often ended a conversation with his famous word "Champ". His favorite scripture was Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it". James wrote a children's book called "The First Day of School", and was in the process of getting it published. He also wrote another book, dedicated to his wife called "Mommy Got Hurt". At the time of his death, he was employed at Medstar Health-Franklin Square Hospital, in Baltimore, MD as a Therapist for numerous years. He also worked at Reflective Treatment Center as a Counselor. He devoted a great deal of his time, showing passion and commitment while striving to make a difference. James owned several businesses, Building Communities Today For Tomorrow, Inc. (BCTT) with his friend Cedric Tucker. Their motto is "Real Issues Deserve Real Work"; as well as his private business JC Behavior, LCPC. James saw the need for mental, emotional, and physical support throughout the Baltimore community. His many highlights in the community spoke volumes of his commitment and passion to help troubled teens navigate through society with positive goals. His enthusiasm for Social Work was infectious of a hundred mile radius. He was a mentee under Frederick S Berlin, M.D. - Johns Hopkins University. Surviving with awesome memories are: his devoted wife, Gail, two loving children, Marquis and [azrnin; a dedicated and caring mother, Geraldine; and a precious grand-daughter, Payton, whom he affectionately called "Pay-Pay" was the joy of his heart; one step-Sister,Laura Scott; mothers-in-law, Barbara Hopkins and Delores Smith-Dennis; three sisters-in-law, Robin Hopkins, Karen (Norman) Johnson, Cathy (Tim) Bowen; three brothers-in-law, Wayne and Gary Hopkins, Robert Smith, [r.; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded him in death were his father James Sr.,paternal grandparents Victor and Esver Stokes;maternal grandparents Jefferson L. Powell (Jane) and Roberta (John) Garrett; father-in-law, Robert Hopkins, and several aunts and uncles. Loved deeply by his Step-Father Robert Scott, who preceded him in death in May of this year.

Tributes

James C. Stokes

January 7, 1968 - October 25, 2014