Obituary of Oscar Lamont James, Jr

Oscar L. James, Jr. of Jackson, Mississippi, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2023, in Dorchester, MA. Oscar was born July 15, 1981, as the second child and only son of Oscar Sr. and Adonna James. He leaves behind his two siblings, Melva and Aleia James; great uncle, Eddie Fox; aunts, Marsha Lynette Friels and Gloria Jean Jones; and cousins, Kimberly Texada, Lytle Evans, Elisabeth Evans, and De’Kendrea Stamps. He is also cherished and survived by his ‘2nd mother’, Ruby Butler, and her children, Patrick and Jennifer Butler. Oscar grew up in the Presidential Hills neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi. He and his best friend, Jason Johnson, spent countless days playing in the loop where Presidential Drive cornered Franklin D Roosevelt to stay in Adonna’s sharp eyesight. Oscar first explored his love of music while learning the snare drum in the Northwest Jackson Middle School band. While attending Callaway Sr. High School, he sang baritone in the school choir and played the Bass drum in the “Charger Band.” Oscar was a member of Callaway High School’s Class of 1999. Oscar attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), earning his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. The friendships he gained while at USM proved to be life-long, where he is affectionately referred to as “Big O”. After college, he moved to Biloxi, MS, where he began his career working in the public school system as a Behavioral Facilitator. Oscar had a genuine heart for children, exemplified through his work with special needs students and those with autism. In 2016 Oscar moved to Boston, MA, for a fresh start after experiencing the politics of the educational system and the pain of losing his parents, friends, and some of his students. Over time he healed from the depression and grief he faced and began to explore his path to happiness and fulfillment. While in Boston, he worked as a courier for the Salvation Army. His career began to truly flourish as he made a name for himself in the Boston Medical Cannabis Industry. At the time of his passing Oscar was employed at Zyp Run, where he had plans to grow with the company. Beyond all else, and most importantly, Oscar was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. His smile, laughter, and sense of humor were infectious. There was nothing pretentious about him. His insights and ability to distill the complex to the comprehensible helped others feel safe, seen, and heard. To Oscar, his family and friendships were everything, and he was fiercely loyal. It is strange and unreal to know that Oscar’s journey here is now finished. As his family, we trust that God’s hand, which guided Oscar throughout his life, was with him through his transition. We pray that God will heal the sadness in our hearts and help us rejoice in our memories.