Obituary of Egbert T. James

Egbert Thomas James was born on March 7, 1940, in Roseau, Dominica, to the late Rosetta Birmingham-Carmichael and Harold Egbert James. Egbert spent his early years with his maternal grandmother, in Dominica. He then went to Aruba to attend school. He later returned to Dominica, where he continued his education and became known as Champi. He earned this title due to his relentless drive to excel in everything he did, which included the sports of swimming, soccer and cricket. His most notable athletic achievement was being a member of the Dominican Soccer Team, representing Dominica in competition against neighboring islands. That, combined with his debonair personality and more than handsome good looks, distinguished him among all with whom he came into contact. Egbert’s career travelled along several pathways. He worked as a General Studies teacher at the elementary school in Dominica and later as an insurance agent there. When he moved to St. Croix, he worked as a craftsman at Harvey Aluminum until he relocated to New Jersey. In New Jersey he worked all over the state, particularly at gas stations, as a Cement Mason. He also joined his late brother-in-law Frank Green, doing construction as independent contractors. He finally retired at the age of 62, but still carried himself with the vim and vigor of one much younger. Egbert’s passion for life was evidenced by his contagious smile, and his love to dance, which he demonstrated on many occasions when spending time with family and friends. He was a dynamic man with strong ideas and beliefs and a great communicator. Egbert was also a very determined man and once he decided to do something it was hard to stop him. He would even take a car to repair that most people thought was beyond repair. Egbert found great pleasure in proudly boasting about his many beautiful children. His children were by far, what he considered to be, his greatest accomplishment and he loved them all dearly. If there were any regrets to be had, and this he himself voiced, it was that distance and life happenstance negated his ability to pour that love into each of their lives. Egbert was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Ruthine James Hill, and Alex (Liz) Green (Franklin). Egbert leaves to cherish his memories, his partner of more than three decades, Petra James; his children, Amanda, Ausar-ra, Benjamin, Brenda, Brendalyn, Caleb, Candy, Carla, Catherine, Crystal (Rahmel), David, Joyce, Julia, Jonathan (Pamela), Rosemond, and Rose; his siblings, Merle, Robert, Harry and David James, Amanda James Harrison, Judy, Rudolph, Joyce, Regina, Ingrid, Cedric, and Brenda Carmichael; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Egbert entered eternal rest on May 1, 2020. He is now dancing with the angels and family members who have gone before him. Surely, he will not be forgotten.