Mr. Samuel Josiah James, Jr.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Samuel Theophilus Josiah James, Jr., affectionately known to his family as "Brother." He transitioned peacefully surrounded by his family in the Washington Hospital Center in DC on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the age of 82. Samuel was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He dedicated 44 years to a career in the television industry, beginning with his employment in Antigua, in 1965, as one of the pioneers and Chief Engineer of ZAL TV. In 1969, Samuel moved to the Virgin Islands, where he became the Chief Engineer at WBNB, Channel 10, in St. Thomas. For a few years he put his engineering skills to work at cable TV in Puerto Rico and returned to St. Thomas where he spent 20 years at the Public Broadcasting station, WTJX-TV Channel 12, retiring as the Chief Engineer in 2009. Samuel was an avid freelance photographer who shared his creative artistry with the Public Broadcasting station, many schools, churches and the University of the Virgin Islands. He published two photography books based on his extensive travel throughout the Caribbean, Africa and Cuba, entitled 'Images of Africa and the Caribbean' by Samuel Josiah James, Jr, editions 1 and 2. He was born to Samuel Theophilus Josiah James and Mary Hazlewood James on April 17, 1942, in the parish of St. George on the Island of Antigua & Barbuda and was preceded in death by his parents. Samuel is survived by his loving wife, Jo Sandra Jones-James of St. Thomas, daughters: Arlene Nelson and her husband Garfield, JoAnne Brown and her husband Nate; and a son, Samuel Theophilus Josiah James, III and his wife Melissa; sisters: Marilyn Simon and her husband Sam of Antigua, Yvonne Ineta Weston and husband Roy of Canada, Yvonne Pamela James of Canada, Melderine Gayle and husband Henry of Canada and Juanita Icilma James of Antigua; brothers: Wilberforce Sutin James of New Jersey, Toussaint James and his wife Maudeline of New York; an aunt, Henrietta Henry of Antigua; grandchildren: Jadere and Kassie James of Arizona, Resa and Ethan Nelson of Antigua; great-grandchildren: Hunter, Elijah and Reign James of Arizona. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends too numerous to name. A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Assembly of God Church, 133 Estate Contant, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands on Saturday, November 9, 2024, beginning with tributes from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to any organization that fights heart disease are appreciated.

Mr. Samuel Josiah James, Jr.

April 17, 1942 - October 7, 2024