Thomas Joseph James known to most as “Tommy or “PomPom” was born July 20, 1928 to the late Thomas T. and Alexandria James in Harlem, New York.

Thomas attended the New York City Public School System. After attending Cooper High School, he was drafted into the Military. He served his country well and was honorably discharged after World War II.

Upon returning from the service Thomas married his childhood friend Ruby Thomas. Tommy and Ruby were married on October 15, 1953 upon this union they had 5 children. 3 sons Claude, Robert and Warren, 2 daughters Rosemary and Regina. He was a devoted husband and father. They were very happy together for 60 years.

Thomas worked for a private Sanitation Company where he was a sanitation foreman until he retired in 1988 over 24 years of service. Tommy made many, many friends whom he kept in contact with over the years.

Thomas was on the Block Association Committee for many years. Upon his retirement Tommy had more time to fulfill his duties for the Block Association. He became the “Mayor of the Block”. There wasn’t one thing that slipped past him. These last 11 years, the kids on the block started calling him “PomPom” that was a name given to Thomas by his grandchildren because they couldn’t say grandpa. Thomas was very busy keeping things in order on 142nd St, also keeping the children in line. Tommy babysat the grandchildren and great grandchildren. ran errands but if he didn’t do anything he played his numbers faithfully. The grocery stores knew “Mr. James”.

Thomas was dedicated to taking care of his wife after she had her stroke the past 11 years until his sickness. Thomas and Ruby were always together, they lived and loved life. At times Thomas traveled with Ruby but mostly he was out and about and helping any and everybody. Everybody loved “PomPom” especially all the children, they even came to get advice from the “Mayor”.

Thomas was called to rest on August 11, 2014. He was proceeded in death by 2 sons, Claude and Robert.

He is survived by his 1 brother, Robbie, 1 sister, Debbie, 1 sister-in-law, Hazel, 1 son, Warren, 2 daughters, Regina and Rosemary, 2 sons-in-law, James and Wayne, 14 grandchildren, Quana, Torra, Latosha, Adrienne, Hadiya, Shaquana, Shaquan, Calvin, Benajmin Jr., Mustafa (Wayne) James, Ryan, Eric, and Patrick, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The past month Thomas and Ruby were well known throughout North Shore Hospital and they were loved. There was an overwhelming outpour of love from the hospital for Mr. and Mrs. James.

If Thomas could speak his voice he would say, “Do not cry for me, I am at peace. God called me home and I had to make sure it was safe for Ruby, so I am on my way”.

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