Reuel R. James

Reuel R. James, 33, of Union, N.J., passed away on June 27, 2024. Visitation will be on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 10:30-11 a.m. at Union Funeral Home - Lytwyn & Grillo, 1600 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, N.J. The Funeral Service will be offered at 11 a.m. with burial following at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provineline Road, Wrightstown, N.J. Memories and condolences may be shared at unionfuneralhome.com.

Reuel Rennison James was born on March 2, 1991 in Trinidad and Tobago to mother, Sharon, and father, Renson. His birth came at the earthly exit of his Father, who died in December, 1990. He was a sensitive, funny, and loving child. As boys usually do, he barked more than he bit. He was intelligent, spunky, and loved his big sister, Becky, and wanted to sleep with her, past the time it was appropriate. He was teased ceaselessly by his older siblings, but fearlessly and proudly declared that he would love her and chose her, no matter what others thought.

He attended Boys’ RC Elementary School, where his charisma was captured by the local newspaper, much to the delight of his family. He fiercely tried to be as strong and tough as his older brother, Alpha, but there was a gentleness to him that no amount of sparring or bravado could change.

He attended Marine Park J.H.S. and Midwood High Schools, and briefly Vaughn College, pursuing his dream of flying. At these schools, Reuel forged and formed lifelong friendships – friendships that have stood the test of time. Friendships that have supported each other through many storms; heartbreak, death, homelessness, depression, distance, and time. Kasceim, Valiant, Danny, and Adedoy were reasons he carried on and with whom will be lifelong friends. He captured hearts wherever he went and nurtured his chosen family of friendships because his life depended on it. Reuel, RJ, Brewski, Bro, Uncle Reuel, and many more names as he was affectionately called.

He travailed through many hard times. Heroically, going through our family home, while it burned to salvage what he could. During that period, he struggled through hopelessness and helplessness, but persevered through many moments of strife. Eventually, he decided to join the United States Air Force and was an Airman for four years. Those bonds formed with his brothers-in-arms, John, Jamal, Khadeem, and Daniel, were indelible to his growth, maturity, and perseverance. The Air Force gave Reuel a fortitude and assertiveness that his youth could not.

He was funny, sincere, endearing, intelligent, sensitive, logical, philosophical, brave, resilient, ambitious, loving, loyal, generous, and successful. He didn’t suffer fools, but if he loved you, he would easily forgive your foolishness. He poured into many, because he genuinely wanted to make sure everyone felt valued and cherished. Reuel showed his love for everyone who was in his sphere, and we all basked in it. But, if you crossed him or hurt him, you were gone with the wind.

He pursued his dreams with a veracity and single-mindedness that brought great achievement and many adventures around the world. He worked hard and played harder. He still had dreams and plans that were never fulfilled, but his sincerity and memories are imprinted in our hearts. He made an intentional effort to be present in his relationships and enjoy nature as well as the fullness and beauty the earth offered him, to meditate and commune with nature. Reuel had a green thumb and, during COVID, started his own kitchen garden, which thrived with carrots, potatoes, and greens.

In every small and big endeavor, he pursued it with passion, focus, and enthusiasm, always succeeding. Reuel was the first one in his family to own a home, to be successful as a businessman and entrepreneur. Reuel supported his mother and sisters as though it was his duty. He was a family man, patient, supportive, and dedicated to his chosen and God-given family. He was constantly searching for the father he never knew through his friendships and mentors. Saying always that family is formed from bonds not blood. An officer, a gentleman to some, and a favorite son to others.

I am sure many can recall his check-in calls. Well now, RJ, you can see us all from the bosom of Abraham, watching over us without the need for a phone call. He wanted so desperately to be loved, and loved in return, so now he is truly loved and in the arms of his Loving Father in Heaven, because no love can ever come close to God’s unconditional love.

He is survived by his mother, Sharon; his sisters, Becky, Seraiah, Sunova, and Kendra; his brothers, Kasceim, Valiant, John, Jamal, Khadeem, and Daniel; nieces, Serrayne, Shania, and Aaliyah; his chosen family, Keisha, Adouinne, Danny; and Godsons, Ethan, Kai, Oudkerk, and Kal’el.

Death is a continuation of your journey…