Raymond Sylvester James

Raymond Sylvester James was born on February 28, 1930. Born the sixth child of Harrison and Marie James, Raymond (or “Pee Wee” as he was affectionately known to his family and friends) departed this life on May 6th, 2009.As A young man Raymond had many interests, some of which included going to shoot pool with his brothers and friends in the Mt. Winans part of the city. At the onset of the Korean Conflict, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army and served his nation with honor. Raymond was wounded during the war and as a result of his bravery was awarded the Korean Service Medal, The Bronze Service Star, The Combat Infantryman Badge and The United Nations Service Medal Purple Heart.During one of his return visits home, Raymond married is childhood sweetheart Genevieve Cole. As a result of this union three children were conceived. They include Dennis, the late Gilda James and Edwin James. Raymond was employed at The Harbison and Walker Company in Curtis Bay, Maryland. There Pee Wee thrived and worked with diligence and loyalty for thirty-three years. It is noted that during his employment at Harbison and Walker, Pee Wee only missed two days during his entire thirty-three year career until his retirement in 1986. It is also said that during the blizzard of 1971, Pee Wee walked to work from his old neighborhood on Dolfield Ave.During his leisure time Pee Wee enjoyed going to Memorial Stadium immensely. He loved watching the Baltimore Colts and the Baltimore Orioles play ball and was a season ticket holder for many years. He also enjoyed going to Atlantic City on bus trips with his wife Genevieve to whom he was married for fifty-six years. He could often times be seen talking to the neighbors and playing the lottery on Liberty Road up until his passing.Raymond leaves to mourn: his wife of fifty-six years, Genevieve James; his two sons, Dennis and Edwin James (the late Gilda James died earlier this year); one granddaughter, Shemie James; and one great- granddaughter, Amaya Mbatu. Raymond also leaves to mourn: his brothers, Charles, and Marvin James; sisters, Rosetta Brown from North Carolina, Constance James and Mae Beads of Baltimore; sisters-in-law, include Charlene James, Eileen McCloud, Mary Jane Quinn, Ester, Gwen, and Margaret Cole; brothers-in-law include William Brown, Lionel Beads, Melvin, Donald and William Cole along with Larry McCloud; and a host of family and friends.

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Raymond Sylvester James

February 28, 1930 - May 6, 2009