Herman James

Death, the transition from this life to the next, is inevitable. If we are born… we will die. It happens. And when it comes it impresses on us the need to be as meaningful as we can be about this life and our relationships with one another. We reflect. We grieve. We remember the good times and the many challenges we share as we interact in the course of our lives together. Sometimes we have time to prepare, and sometimes we do not. But, prepared or not, we all must deal with that sense of loss that fills us with grief… that causes us to mourn… that leaves a certain vacancy in our chests… that shakes us to the very foundation of our beings.

We gather today to celebrate the life of Herman James.

We remember his robust laughter. His passion for life and the good things that hard work brought. We remember his thoughtfulness toward his loved ones, the phone calls in which he shared his concerns for those things that mattered most to him. His sense of industry and purposefulness was an example to all who strove for excellence despite our humble beginnings. We celebrate the joy and love that could be seen in that sparkle in his eyes when he smiled. In Herman’s life we saw an example of what it means to live with Purpose.

Herman was born to Ishmael James and Beryl Pancho on November 20, 1942 in the district of Darliston, in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica.

Those who knew him will testify to the fact that he was willful, industrious, and driven from an early age. He began an apprenticeship for Welding at age 15 in Kingston, Jamaica, and later came to the United States where he continued his education and training in his chosen craft. He successfully completed numerous technical courses through which enhanced his professional skills. Herman thrived in his trade, receiving numerous promotions, and helped in the development of others through his various leadership roles. He earned numerous awards for excellence as a result of his demonstrated abilities.

After retiring 17 years ago, the next phase of Herman’s life commenced. He filled his time with traveling, keeping in close touch with his friends and family, mentoring others, and spoke in glowing terms about creating a mini-farm at his home here in Florida.

Like all James men, cooking - correction - ‘good cooking!’ was a part of Herman’s DNA. He took great pleasure in watching folks enjoy his food. His specialty was healthy foods, especially fish and all kinds of vegetables. He enjoyed the string beans, kale, and tomatoes from his garden.

Family was another of Herman’s passions! He made it a point to check in often with his loved ones. We all knew that we had to set aside 1-2 hours and get comfortable for long meaningful conversations. Saying goodbye didn’t really mean goodbye, but indicated the start of a new subject.

Today we come not so much to say goodbye, but so long… until we meet again. He joins his ancestors in Eternity. We are sad. We miss him. We grieve his loss among us. But even so, we let him go with love and the hope of eternal life.

As we celebrate the life of Herman James, let us look around us and take the opportunity to build the kind of bridges between us that are emblematic of our striving to love each other as we are commanded by our Heavenly Father.

Herman leaves a legacy of love, strength and joyous memories to: His wife, Hyacynth; His children, Pernell, Coleen, Hopeton and Sharon; His Sisters, 11 Grandchildren, 3 Great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation for Herman will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at New Hope Church, 2855 Lake Helen Osteen Rd., Deltona, FL 32738, followed by a funeral service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deltonamemorialfuneralhome.com for the James family.