On Friday, May 2, 2025, Mr. Jerry Monroe James, of Coatesville, PA, passed away at his residence. He was 91 years old.

(Mr. Jerry wrote the following)    Jerry was born on June 29, 1933, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of four children of Henry and Fushar (Brockington) James.

Jerry attended the Hustonville School until he reached the 8th grade then proceeded onto 9th grade at the Historical James Adams School, where all the teachers were African Americans. They stressed how important development and education was for their students. Jerry graduated with honors from Horace Scott Senior High School in 1951. He excelled in education as well as being a member of  Track & Field and Cross Country Teams. Jerry continued his education at the Thaddeus Stevens Trade School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, completing his studies and receiving his diploma in Masonry Construction Technology. He was also a team member of the athletic department, where he played football and held a position on the track and field team. Jerry was inducted into Thaddeus Stevens Hall of Fame in 2006.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, serving his country as a Military Police Officer for several years. After his military duties, he returned home and obtained employment at the former Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville. While working at Lukens Steel Company, he drove every day to Thaddeus Stevens Trade School, where his education assisted him in a promotion at Lukens Steel Company as a foreman in the Masonry Department. Jerry retired from Lukens Steel Company in 1994 after 38 years of service with honors.

Using his masonry experiences, skills, and knowledge, Jerry completely built his home from the foundation to the roof with the assistance of Rev. William Grier. Every Christmas it was beautifully decorated, and once it was featured on the front page of the Coatesville Record. He took pride in his home.

Jerry had many hobbies; loved watching sports on television and supporting the youth at Coatesville High School sports activities as he attended and led the Red Raiders Cheer.

He had a regular seat at the Penn Relays yearly in Philadelphia PA. He participated for five years in the Penn Relays from 1949 to 1954.

Another enjoyment of Jerry's was landscaping. He provided care for the James Adams School Monument faithfully as he shared his talent with family members and friends. Jerry enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and volunteering at the Coatesville Senior Center (BVAA).

Jerry was a devoted member of the Zion Baptist Church, being baptized at 15 years old.  He served as a Trustee and on other organized departments within the church. He was known for his stylish clothing, which was always coordinated from head to toe. He would often say: "The clothes don't make the man, the man makes the clothes.", and also that "he didn't dress like the rest, he dressed to impress."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers Chester, Henry Jr. and Earl.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Lavender of Lancaster, Brian James and his wife Shalonda of Coatesville; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; devoted friend Melvin Thompson and was blessed with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Written by Jerry James

*** Services celebrating his life will be held at 11 AM, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Second Baptist Worship Center, 857 Lumber Street, Coatesville PA. A viewing will be held from 9 AM until 10:45 AM. Friends may greet the family at 10:15 AM.

Interment with full military honors will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, in Annville, PA.

Condolences to be read should be faxed to 610-383-7523 or emailed to wrightfuneralsvs@aol.com by Monday, 3:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry's honor to the Coatesville Senior Center (BVAA) payable to: Brandywine Valley Active Aging , 250 MLK Jr. Blvd, Coatesville, PA 19320

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page where all are welcome to light a candle in her memory.

Flowers may be sent to the church. The flower theme color is white.

Brandywine Valley Active Aging
250 MLK Jr. Blvd, Coatesville PA 19320
Tel: 1-610-383-6900
Web: https://www.bvactiveaging.org/