Dr. Felix James, retired SUNO professor, laid to rest

Friends, loved ones, former students and colleagues gathered on Saturday, March 1, to say goodbye to Dr. Felix James, a retired SUNO professor who taught Black history at the city’s only public Black institution of higher learning and mentored several generations of Black college students.

James, a Georgia native, departed this life on Sunday, February 23, 2014. He was the son of the late Leroy James Sr. and Blanche Clark James. After graduating from high school in Columbus, Georgia, he continued his education at Fort Valley State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. He received a Master’s Degree from Howard University in Washington, DC and was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from The Ohio State University on September 1, 1972.

Before joining the Southern University at New Orleans family four decades ago this year (1974), Dr. James taught at Southern Illinois University and Tuskegee University. In addition to teaching, counseling, mentoring, research, etc., during his tenure at SUNO, Dr. James was routinely asked to address numerous civic and community organizations and schools. While serving as a history professor at SUNO, Dr. James also taught at Dillard University, University of New Orleans and the University of Northern Iowa.

In addition, while at SUNO, Dr. James heeded another “call” to serve in the ministry. He enrolled at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a Master’s Degree in 1991. He was later called as Pastor of Salvation Baptist Church in Pearl River where he served for 14 years. He was elected Moderator of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Association, a position held for seven years. After fulfilling his pastoral call, Dr. James returned to his New Orleans home church, New Zion Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Dr. C.S. Gordon, Jr., President of the Louisiana State Baptist Assoc­iation.

W.C. Johnson, a member of Community United for Change and host of local cable-access show “OurStory,” says he has known Dr. Felix James at least 20 years, dating back to the days when James helped Johnson to bring renowned scholar Dr. Steve Cokely to SUNO to present lectures to students and members of the community.

“It was Brother James who allowed many Black men and women throughout America to call upon him for guidance and information concerning their personal and professional affairs,” Johnson told The Louisiana Weekly. “Brother James was the drum major for Southern University at New Orleans, a position SUNO never acknowledged or rewarded Dr. James for. Nonetheless, Brother James demonstrated his love for his people and the school he called home.”

Dr. Felix James was married to Florence Bernard James. He is also survived by his daughter, Chrystal Hunt; two grandchildren, Jayla Hunt and Artist Vinson; and one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Evelyn J. Jackson, and Ann “M” J. Gillis; and a sister-in-law, Chief Judge Joan Bernard Armstrong, Retired. He is also survived by a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.

Dr. James’ homegoing celebration was Saturday, March 1, at New Zion Baptist Church. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

This article originally published in the March 3, 2014 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.