FRIDAY| MAY 9, 2025 | 1:00
JSr. After the passing of his father in 1963, his mother later married Roosevelt Harris, who became a steady and caring stepfather until his passing in 2001.
James grew up in St. Louis and attended Scullin Elementary School in the 1960s. He later enrolled at Northwest High School but left during his senior year to embrace the responsibilities of fatherhood after the birth of his son, Jaminice Tranquil Boone, Sr., with Desirée Michele Boone. Although his mother and stepfather relocated to Chicago in 1974, James chose to remain in St. Louis the city he loved to raise his young son and remain rooted in the community that shaped him.
In 1991, James made the decision to move to Chicago to lovingly care for his mother during her later years. This move also allowed him to reunite with his stepfather, Roosevelt Harris, and his younger siblings, Nathaniel Curry, Joanne (Curry) Allen, Jan Harris, and Wanda “Geno” Harris a reconnection that brought him great joy and strengthened the family bonds that meant so much to him.
A lover of music and the vibrant culture of the 70s, James’s life was filled with laughter, rhythm, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone he met. After his mother's passing in 2006, he joyfully returned to his beloved St. Louis, the city that always called him back home.
On March 12, 2017, James made a life-changing commitment to Christ and was baptized in the name of the Holy Ghost. His faith became a steady and enduring light, guiding his steps and filling his heart with peace.
James’s legacy is one of love, resilience, loyalty, and faith. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted son, Jaminice Tranquil Boone, Sr. (Victoria); his loving siblings Joanne (Curry) Allen (Chicago, IL), Jan Harris (Knoxville, TN), Wanda “Geno” Harris (Knoxville, TN), and Nathaniel Curry (Iris - Chicago, IL); and his treasured grandchildren Danaya, Jaela, Jayla, and Jaminice, Jr.
He is also remembered with love by his nieces and nephews: Marlon (Carla) Curry of Dallas, TX; Dr. Marquita (Chauncey) Barrett of Bellwood, IL; Tyrone Allen, Jr. of Chicago, IL; Joseph Harris of Milwaukee, WI; Diamond Harris of Milwaukee, WI; Geraldine Harris of Milwaukee, WI; and Roosevelt Harris, now among the heavenly host, remembered with enduring love.
Among his great-nieces and great-nephews are Tia (Chicago, IL), Marlon Curry, II (Dallas, TX), Maya Curry (Nashville, TN), Jahmal Barrett (Bellwood, IL), and Jaiyana Harris (Milwaukee, WI). He also leaves a host of extended family members, dear friends, and loved ones who will forever honor and celebrate his life. He is especially remembered by Desirée Michele Boone, the mother of his son, with whom he shared a lasting bond through family and life.
One of James’s favorite scriptures, lovingly recalled by his sister, was Psalm 23:6 a verse passed down from their Uncle Melvin, who went home to be with the Lord before him:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (KJV)
James DeWitt Curry, Jr. peacefully transitioned from this life on April 16, 2025, at the age of 70 years old.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
