James Harrison Boone

JAMES HARRISON BOONE, the son of the late Lee and Pearl Boone was born October 19, 1961, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was called peacefully to his eternal rest on Sunday morning January 18, 2026. James was born with Down Syndrome but through the grace of God and the love, support and determination of his parents, James had a fulfilling life with excellent care and opportunities. His mother being a career educator advocated and fought diligently for James to be enrolled in school, she also being on the Board of Directors of Chimes Inc. he attended Chimes School in Mount Washington and later went on to culinary training with Chimes Inc. Later in adulthood he attended Winter Growth Day Program in Columbia, Maryland where his joy was helping to set up for lunch, assist with the residents and help prepare for daily activities. He referred going to the day program as going to his job, he would say, he loved going to work. He loved helping others, and wherever he was, he contributed by doing tasks that were within his ability, and he was able to accomplish. James was extra special from the time he was born; Down Syndrome did not define his life as a disability but enhanced it with a spirit and love for life and others. Wherever he went he made new friends, whether it was nurses in the hospital, patients in the waiting room at a doctor's appointment or grocery shopping, people were drawn to him like a magnet. And if he got your phone number, you could count on receiving a phone call-sometimes a few times a day. He held friends close and cherished friendships. James liked looking at cookbooks and collecting recipes, we often would sit and clip coupons and organize recipes he found interesting. He looked forward every month to the arrival of his subscription to Southern Living and Food Magazines. His other interests were art projects and doing latch hook rugs. James enjoyed watching TV and movies, he would have his daily dose of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He liked to pray and would be the first to volunteer to say a prayer. He loved sports and was a Ravens fan, like the rest of his family, except his sister the Steelers fan. He liked family gatherings, outings and enjoyed dinner out every Friday at his favorite Chinese restaurant. He looked forward each summer to his trip to Myrtle Beach; he loved swimming and floating on the lazy river in his inner tube. He would stay in the water until he was wrinkly like a prune. He especially liked spending time at the family home in South Carolina, he would ask, "When we going down south"' always ready for a road trip. James had a deep appreciation for music and he liked to dance, as he moved to the music he would say “I’m getting down”, he liked big band, gospel and Motown music. One of his favorite albums was Frank Sinatra at the Sands. He drove the household crazy playing that album and singing along, every day, all day over and over. He played the grooves off the album, and our parents had to purchase him another album. Anything chocolate was a “10” for him, chocolate ice cream, chocolate donuts and he looked forward to his chocolate birthday cake. He was a jokester and a comedian, ask him what happened to the Klondike Bars, where’s the chocolate chip cookies, or who left the window open, when he was caught, his favorite phrase was “not me”. Parents rule— He knew he wasn’t allowed to open the door when he was at home alone, if you rang the doorbell, you would hear him say, “nobody’s home”! He loved his family; his nieces and nephews and he was always protective when they were toddlers. Kindness, caring and love for others were the hallmark of James character and his gentle soul touched the lives of those who knew him. James was a true gift, forever to be treasured, a loving brother who will be cherished for the love he gave. Being his only sister and sibling, he would always say “you’re my favorite sister”. What an honor from a special person. His spirit will live on in the memories we hold dear, and his light will continue to glow in our hearts. James leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted sister, Yvonne Fowler; niece, Misha McAllister (Thomas); nephew, David Martin (Kellie); nieces and nephews, Tyler Williams, DeAsia Martin, Madison Williams, Deondre Martin, Darius Martin, Kaden Martin; cousin, Clifford Maddox; committed friend and caregiver, Samuel Asiamah; special friends, Phelisa Huff and Takeara Parker; friends, Bill, Keith and Charlie; and a host of additional friends who knew and will remember him.

Tributes

James Harrison Boone

October 19, 1961 - January 18, 2026