Darby A. James

Darby Andre James was born July 30, 1968, to Fannie Lee (James) Jones and Bruce Earl Lee, Sr. He departed this earthly life on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021.

Darby gave his life to Christ at an early age in Maple Hill, NC. He later moved to Philadelphia, PA where he attended South Philadelphia High School and graduated in 1986. After graduation, Darby enlisted in the United States Army and began actively serving tours of duty that included stops at Fort Lee, Virginia; Fort Drum, New York; Camp Essayons, South Korea; Kent State University, Ohio and Fort Clayton, Panama to name a few. Known as ‘James’ to his fellow soldiers, Darby retired from service in 2005 while on reserve duty in Grand Prairie, Texas. Having achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class, Sergeant James accumulated numerous medals, citations, and commendations along the way. He then began the next phase of his career as a top salesman for Ford Motor Corporation and later moved on to excel in private automotive sales.

For all his many professional accolades, Darby was an even better father, son, brother and friend. Loved by many for his warm personality and easy smile, Darby made friends easily and lived his life to the fullest. He was a loving and generous person that enjoyed helping others, traveling for fun, and cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles. His heart’s delight however, was his family, in particular, his three children--Kisha, DeVaughn and DJ, whom he loved dearly.

Darby leaves to cherish his memory, 

Children: Starkishawa Howard (Aneesha), FL; DeVaughn Braxton, VA; Darby James Jr, TX.

Parents: Fannie Jones, NC, and Bruce Lee Sr (Tangie), PA.

Siblings:  Elvin James III, NC; Zirus James (Renita) NC; Sachiko Cleveland (Leviticous) TX; Stacy Jones, (Ra’Qui), NC; Kameko Howell (Jason), NC; Tosheba George (Marcus), NC; JaVita Lee Lansdowne (Cory), PA; Jervis Lee (Cheryl), UT; Aisha Lee, PA; Christi Lee-Gillis (Barry), UT; Bruce Lee Jr. (Ylonnda), GA; Marquis Wright-Lee (Cierra), PA.

Aunts: Velma Lee Wooten (Willie) Greensboro, NC; Fay Watkins (Donald), NC.

Great  Aunts: Rose Peoples, Maddie Holmes, Maple Hill, NC.

Great Uncle: Morgan Lee

Step-sisters: Latoya Batts, (Frank) PA; Sharifah Shaw, PA, and Dayanna Shaw, PA.

Godfather: James H. Pickett (Tabatha), Godsister: Sonya Pickett and Godmother: Caroyln Pickett, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

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