Elaine Marie James

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     Ms. Elaine Marie James, born and raised in the Bronx, NY, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, November 7th, 2025 at Staten Island University Hospital after a courageous battle with illness.

     Elaine was born on February 20, 1951 to the late Constance Wilson and Ricardo Underwood.  She was early-educated in the Catholic and NYC Public School System and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from the College of Staten Island, Sunnyside Campus. Elaine was married to Johnny James for a brief time in her younger years. She later met Richard Gotha with whom she shared a long-lasting companionship and was blessed with three sons – Raynard, Abdul, and Antoine.  She later met George Beach and together they welcomed her youngest and only daughter, Janel.

     She was employed and retired from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation where her 30-year career concluded as a Youth Teacher/Event Coordinator. Elaine loved and gave her life to the Lord.   She was always eager to share her testimony with power and conviction with everyone she encountered.  Elaine dearly loved her church family, ICC – International Christian Center, and cherished the fellowship there with her pastor,  Pastor Cruz and all her sisters and brothers in Christ. A caring listener with a gift for conversation, Elaine built enduring friendships – many dating back to her early years.  She enjoyed people and truly was devoted to her family and friends with a sincere heart.

     Although the aftermath of COVID19 left her wheelchair-bound for years, Elaine kept a positive attitude and overcame every issue she put her mind to.  She is predeceased by her daughter Janel;  sister, Josephine T. Stewart; and cousin, Marek Wright.  She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory-  three sons, Raynard, Abdul, and Antoine; grand-daughter, Myana; grandsons, Jason and Jaden; aunt, Jean Johnson; nieces, Chloe and Najah; cousins, Janine and Cookie (Cheryl); a very close and trusted, spiritual friend, Rev. Dr. Yvonne Stradford,  a special host of dear friends, Pastor Cruz, her ICC and Rhema Prayer family. 

Although we mourn her earthly departure, we rejoice in her heavenly homecoming, as we know this is the joy she would wish for us to share.

          Lovingly  Submitted,                                                                                                                                                        The Family

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