Final farewell paid to David N. James aka ‘Bush’
A large number of persons, some wearing black t-shirts with photos of James, attended the home-going service for the young man, who was a victim of gun violence on December 7, 2015, the Virgin Islands 2nd homicide for 2015.
The officiating Minister was Reverend Brian Seymour.
Eulogy
According to the eulogy, James was born on August 30, 1987 on the Virgin Islands main island of Tortola and was the sixth child of Naptily James aka Tom Jones and Verona James aka Sheila.
It said James was christened as a Methodist and attended church regularly in his early years. He attended the Ivan Dawson Primary and then the BVI High School for two years before migrating to Atlanta, Georgia in the USA where he attended the Stone Mountain High School.
Bush loved animals especially dogs and was particularly fond of a dog named Impress that when it was stolen he walked the entire block day and night in Atlanta calling for her until he found her, the eulogy stated.
After returning to the VI and spending a year, Bush went back to Atlanta where he spent much of his life.
He returned to the territory in 2010 and worked as a handyman and painter with his father in the construction field. "However, he wanted more out of life and aspired towards those goals."
As an "independent and vibrant" man, David acquired a job at the Department of Agriculture in Paraquita Bay and was required to dress in business attire.
"Every morning he would call his nephew Akeem to come and knot his tie. Nothing was ever too hard for Bush to do but the one thing he could not do was knot his tie."
Tributes
Among the many tributes were from the Department of Agriculture where James worked from May 2013 to November 2014. "He was always polite, respectful and pleasant to all who came into contact with him. Mr James performed all his duties with pride and dedication and always looked 'sharp'. Everyone loved his bright smile and smooth personality," the tribute from the Department of Agriculture stated.
His father Mr Naptily James aka Tom Jones wrote how he watched how his son grew from a humble, obedient, little boy to a strong-willed young man. "You have touched many hearts, transformed lives as evidenced by your followers and there was something about you that kept my heart lit... Since it is the will of God to take you at this time, I have accepted and totally surrender to His will. Go in peace my son."
His mom Sheila said her son was taken away so abruptly that she didn't even have the time to process the whole devastating event.
"There is so much you did not get to tell me but I am so honoured to have been your mother."
His relatives Christine, Benson, Khaliq, Jordanne and Adrianne said: “David, the Grinch stole Christmas, and it will never be the same without you. No matter your mood you always wore a smile. Words cannot express the overwhelming loss we feel at your untimely passing.”
David N. James aka Bush leaves to mourn his parents, son Dakijah K. James, brothers George, Eddie, Gabriel, and Andrick, sisters Patricia Smith-Maitland, Christine Turnbull-Thomas, Debra, Michelle and Heather James-Skelton and a number of other relatives and friends.
Burial took place at the Johnson Ghut Cemetery.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
27 Responses to “Final farewell paid to David N. James aka ‘Bush’”