James R. Summers

James Raymond Summers was born in Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, New York, on December 21, 1942 to Irene and Edward Summers, Sr. He grew up in the Bronx and lived at 902 Union Avenue. James moved out of the Bronx to Flushing, Queens in the 1980’s. Throughout his life James had many nicknames amongst his family members, including, Jim, Jimmy, Jimmy Boy, and Daddy Jim.

James completed his early education at Junior High School 120 in the Bronx and attended Dodge Vocational High School in New York City and graduated in 1960 with a satisfactory record in scholarship, behavior, and citizenship. After high school, James held various jobs, which included working at a pharmacy on Westchester Avenue, as well as a clerical position in midtown Manhattan.

In 1964, he began working as a registry clerk with the United States Postal Service where he served faithfully for 42 -years until his retirement in 2006. James’ commitment, loyalty, work ethic and dedication to service was evident by the longevity of his 42-year career at the Grand Central Station post office in Manhattan.

He met Hyleta “Thelma” Babb, the love of his life in 1975. Shortly after meeting, James embraced and adopted Thelma’s son, Sean and the three of them became a blended family. Thelma and James married in a beautiful civil ceremony in 2000. They both shared a love of dancing, traveling, dining, concerts, bowling, anniversaries, and spending time with family. The affectionate, loving and devoted couple remained inseparable throughout their 46-year union.

James was known for his love of family, his love of fashion, meticulous in his grooming and presentation. He was respected by his neighbors and was a stable pillar in the community. James was involved in many community activities such as being a member of The Friends of the Library, active in NYPD Community Affairs and the Democratic Club, just to name of few. James was an avid sports enthusiast. He played stickball as a child in the Bronx, taught Sean how to play baseball, he bowled in a league, and loved going to Shea Stadium/CitiField and watching the Mets on TV.

After a long illness, James departed this earth on Monday, August 23, 2021. He leaves behind his wife, Thelma, son Sean, daughter-in-law, Holly, granddaughter, Courtney, sister, Hazel, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Mildred, Estelle, Dolores, and Loretta, and brothers, Edward and Karl.

Daddy Jim, as he was lovingly called by Sean is “A giant amongst men.” He fought to the end.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, August 30, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Quinn - Fogarty Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.quinn-fogartyfuneralhome.com for the Summers family.