Obituary of Jean D. Nesmith-James

Jean Dolores Nesmith-James went home to be with the Lord on July 24, 2022. She was born on August 16, 1951, in Jersey City, NJ, the biological daughter of Catherine D. Holmes. She was adopted as an infant by Roosevelt and Ruth Nesmith shortly after she was born. Jean, affectionally known as Taifa, was married to Earl V. James who preceded her in death. Jean was educated in the Jersey City and Camden public school system. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High in 1969. Jean worked for Pfizer/Hikma for over 37 years as a Pharmaceutical Technician until she retired in 2018.   Jean was the mother of our community who always believed “It takes a village.” The children in the community were also her children. Her home was the place of gathering when she was raising her own children. Jean, along with her late husband Earl V. James, started the first African Free School in Camden to educate children about the rich history of their homeland of Africa, while instilling principles that built self-sustaining communities. Kwanzaa was the perfect opportunity to celebrate what they had been already living. Kwanzaa continued to be passed down in her family through generations.  Jean was a peaceful activist that believed in unity and equality and made her voice heard to ensure that people were treated fairly. Jean grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She loved gospel music especially the Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, and Andre Crouch! Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend! Jean loved life and enjoyed dancing, games, singing, crabbing, and cooking new dishes. After Jean retired, she became more passionate about her hobby of making Special Occasion and Holiday gift baskets. She would spend hours upon hours creating the most beautifully decorated baskets with all kinds of goodies! You name it! She had it in the basket! This kept her busy! Wherever she went she wanted to be in style and look good. Yes, she loved to shop! She was 70 years old and would still be seen wearing a name-brand shirt with matching sneakers. Jean was loved dearly by her family and her love for her children and grandchildren could not be measured. Jean will be tremendously missed but will forever be in our hearts. Jean leaves to mourn her children: Jamal, Yakini aka Taifa, Jahi and Ibura aka Ibe, Son In Law - Tony, and Daughter In Laws Marcia and Tera. Grandchildren: Christoff, Taashan, Javaun, TJ, Nia, Sevon, and Tiana. Great Grandchildren: Jaelyn and Leilani, Granddaughter In-Law Margaret Siblings: Pat, Pam Stephanie, Tina, Tina, Latisha,  Michael, and Noel. Sister- In Laws:  Rebecca and Wanda, and Brother-In-Law Juan. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.