James Walter Pemberton

James was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 1, 1945, to Hubert and Ida Reid Pemberton. He was the 11th of 12 children, 7 of which preceded him in death. James had a passion for piano, singing and dancing. After graduating from New York Performing Arts Academy, he worked as a police officer and an EMS worker. James then pursued a career in entertainment as club owner and entertainer of the Cheetah Lounge and the 21 Club in St. Thomas,VI, where he was known as the "James Brown of St Thomas, VI".

James served in the United States Army as a parachuter from 1962-1964.

In 1966 James was married to Ester West, and together they had 6 children who survive him. Charles, Dawn, Lester, Devon, Elizabeth and Jimmy.

James is survived by his children, 11 grandchildren- Jada, Ashley, Alec, Dominique, Isaiah, Leah, Jayden, Zion, Annayah, Georgianna, and Kristin, 3 Great grandchildren- Mia, Nelli and Jah, Goddaughter Melanie Marin, as well as his Brother- Alfonso, Sisters- Dorothy Feaster, Shirley Challenger( Kenny), sisters-in-law Ida, Bessie and Gabby Pemberton, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews too numerous to count.

Visitation for James will be held Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Baldwin Fairchild Alternatives at All Faiths, 4901 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32806. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 4901 S Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida. A committal service will occur Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Q44J+Q9, Mims, FL 32754.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries