Ronald James, Jr.

Ronald “Ron” James Jr., son of Reverend Earlene Mazle Lee James and the late Sergeant 1st

Class Ronald James Sr., was born on May 31, 1975 in Wilmington, Delaware and departed this

life on the morning of March 8, 2023. Ronald James (who was affectionately known as "Pudgie"

to his family) was raised in Wilmington where he attended Warner Elementary, Skyline Middle

School and graduated from John Dickinson High School. Ronald moved to California shortly

after finishing high school where he further pursued his education while embarking upon

numerous positions in the Management and Finance industry. After achieving his Bachelor of

Science Degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Health Sciences he

obtained a position with DTE Energy in Michigan where he was employed for almost 7 years,

starting as a Senior Radiological Engineer-Nuclear and moved onto Radiation Protection -

Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant as a Technical Specialist. He was a workaholic and devoted to his

job, always willing to take a shift to help out his employees and coworkers when needed. But on

the rare occasion he would take a vacation or day off he would go back to his first love

exercising. His passion for fitness was unmeasurable and because he was so dedicated to the

craft, he eventually became a fitness trainer (Let's be honest, the boy could lift some weights).

He was a disciplined man when it came to his health and wanted others to obtain the same level

of health and accomplishment he found in exercising and fitness training. His work ethic in the

gym was also applied to his many achievements in his life.

Ronald obtained multiple certifications in Firearms and Security training, Heartsaver AED,

Personal training, and being a Self Help Facilitator (because we know he was a speaker with

very strong opinions) as well as becoming an Adjunct professor, facilitating a course on

Radiation Protection and Detection. Ronald was always willing to try something new and would

be found hanging out with friends or family, whether it was white water rafting or becoming an

Ordained Minister to perform a wedding ceremony for his beloved friends. Did you know that in

his early years residing in California, Ron aspired to become a rapper in the music industry

rapping under the alias of Legend. Talk about a well rounded man.

He was quite athletic too playing high school football, track and wrestling, he was also able to

live out a dream and play briefly on an NFL team while living in “The Golden State”. He

continued his love for the game of football and would catch a game at a stadium or simply

relaxing at home. Ron attended Miracle Temple Apostolic Church when he was young and

continued his love for the Lord and The Word of God throughout his life. Ronald James, Jr was

one of a kind and we were all the better for knowing and loving him. He was outgoing,

handsome, outspoken, sociable, loving, and unforgettable. Our Aunt summed it up best, "He

never met a Stranger".

Ronald is preceded in death by his father Sergeant 1st Class Ronald James, Sr. and his brother

Marcus Lee James.

He leaves to cherish his life and memories, his mother- Reverend Earlene Mazle Lee James,

his sister-Antoinique Shabay James along with his 3 nieces- Kianna James, Antonia James and

Aiyanna James; his grandmother, agnes Lee,  and his aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless

other family members who loved him dearly and friends who will never forget him, and his

Michigan family who cared for him too.