Obituary of Henry D. James

Henry D. James, Sr. entered this world on June 25, 1942 in Helena, Arkansas to the late Calvin D. James Sr. and Lizzie Beth Harris-James. He had 7 siblings, 3 proceeded him in death, Calvin James Sr., Theodore James and Laverne Reddick. Henry graduated from Moton High School in Marianna, Arkansas. He then moved to Rochester, NY where he attended Rochester Institute of Technology and Hill School of Insurance of NYC where he obtained a degree in Insurance Brokerage. His employment career began as an entrepreneur at the age of 13. After graduation from high school, he left Arkansas, moved to Chicago before arriving in Rochester. His first full-time job outside of the family business was at Dows Drug Store. In 1964, while working full time at General Motors, a Division of Rochester Products, he created the 1st of several companies that he owned and operated which included Henry’s Ice Cream Parlor (in the former Bulls Head Plaza) and Floor Master Janitorial Services. He realized his business savvy and created, owned and operated Henry James Construction, Inc., where he was the General Contractor. He had strong ties around the country and within the community with various contracting businesses and companies. Most notably, he was recognized for building single family homes in the North East Quadrant of Rochester. In January, 2011, Henry James completed his final construction job. Henry was a Community Advocate and very interested in the people of his community. His community affiliations are too numerous to name but includes: former Chair of the NAACP (local chapter) Economic Development; former president of Minority Business Contractors Association; member of Chamber of Commerce Rochester Business Opportunity Center (RBOC) which created the Black Business Association, (an organization that is still in existence); former president of North Street Business Association where he received numerous awards from Mayor Ryan for his outstanding contributions, and devoted many hours Rochester City School Districts’ Mentorship Program where, he mentored many young people through sports, and life coaching. He taught business and money management to others, especially young adults who demonstrated a desire to make things happen, and helped several to create, own and operate their own business. He was known for helping others personally and professionally. His belief was that every child could learn and supported higher education. He believed so strongly in the youth of tomorrow that when necessary, he would pay partial or full college tuition until financial aid was obtained. Henry also had a love for championship horses and owned several champion thoroughbred race horses. Henry met and married his wife, Audrey Cummings-James and their families were combined. Together, there are 6 children to this union. Henry’s family was devout Baptist and as a child, he too recognized the power of God and accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He frequented churches throughout the city of Rochester, but joined and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor, Anthony Bonds. Henry Sr. was called home to be with the Lord on June 24, 2011 following a brief illness surrounded by family and friends. Henry Sr. leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Audrey Cummings-James; 4 sons, Michael (Pia) James of Baltimore, MD, Dorsey James, Henry James Jr., and Brenton Cummings of Rochester, NY; 2 daughters, Teresa James and Shane (Carlos) Cotto of Rochester, NY; his grandchildren, Dorsett, Jeremy, Michael II, Naomi, Arianna, Xavier and Aubrey; 1 brother, Roosevelt (Catherine) James; 3 sisters, Virginia Stone, Barbara James and Helen James of Rochester, NY; 1 sister in-law, Beatrice Dye; 1 aunt, Estelle Davis of North Carolina; nieces, Carol Woods, Sherry Davis, Theodora Jones, Robyn Rodriguez, Shanai Lee, Ashley James, Meagan Mitchell, and Annette James; nephews, Barry Jones, Tracy James, Jeffrey Smith, Omar James, Brent James, Carl Stone, Keith Stone, Kevin Stone and Mark Stone; 1 god-daughter, Jini (David) Thornton of Atlanta, Ga. There are many more family and friends throughout the world who are too many to name. Mr. James wanted to personally express his love to each one of you that he had the wonderful opportunity of having been a part of your life Click for a map to the funeral home Click for a map to the church Home Rochester, NY Birthplace Helena, Arkansas Donations In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that all donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1400 Winton Road N., Rochester, NY 14623, to further Pancreatic Cancer Research.