Darron Lance James, affectionately known as "DJ," was born in Brooklyn, New York to Carol and Frank James, Sr. He went to Alexander Hamilton High School. He then went on to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan to further his education. He studied physical education where his affinity for physical fitness could translate from the track to the classroom. Darron ran track at both the high school and collegiate levels. Darron would eventually go on to receive his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corp of the US Army Reserve.
Darron would matriculate into a career as an avid debt collector and collections supervisor. He was straight forward and to the point. Darron would get you to pay what you owed and never showed interest in hearing hard luck stories. His stance, "Everyone has one."
In 2005, his life would take a drastic and life-altering turn when he was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He underwent several months of chemotherapy 5 days a week, never missing a day of work through his treatments or fight. Darron finished his last round of chemotherapy a mere week before the twins, Alexandria and Alexia, whom he shared with his loving and dutiful wife, Tammy, were born. It would be safe to say God gave him a reset setting the sundial back 17 years just for him to live a life with his new baby girls, whom he loved and devoted his life to.
In 2020, Darron’s life would turn upside down again, as he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma MFE Stage IV. Again, he knew it would be a battle but, as with his other diagnoses, he was ready and willing to fight. This time, surgical procedures were mandatory and he underwent them immediately. Again, Darron fought to get back to himself and was home within the same week and back to work within a month. Unlike before, the radiation and chemo did not allow him to live life as he was accustomed to doing. He would miss several days of work at a time, but never allowed his circumstance to dictate his life. He never gave up, even until the end.
Like his mom, Darron enjoyed watching the news channels and conversing about the happenings in America and across the world. His favorite meal included but was not limited to, fried and smothered chicken, rice and gravy, homemade macaroni and cheese, cabbage and corn and his favorite dessert was yellow cake with chocolate icing and a tall glass of milk. Above all, Darron was a devoted husband and father. He always ensured his family was well provided for.
Darron was preceded in death by his father, Frank James, Sr.; mother, Carol James and brother, Frank James, Jr. Darron leaves to cherish in his memories his wife, Tammy James; son, Frank James; four daughters, Brittany Rawls, Sydney Drake, Alexandria James and Alexia James; three grandchildren, Chloe Drake, Braden Rawls and Bianca Rawls; three sisters, Darlene James, Cheryl James of New York and Tameka Anderson of South Carolina; one aunt, Debbie Waldrond of New York; one sister-in-law, Odessa Edwards of Texas and a host of nieces and nephews.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.horisawardfairviewchapel.com for the James family.
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