Melvin "Bo" James

Melvin Gene “Bo” James was born April 27, 1964 in Kankakee, IL to George James Sr. and Ozie Evans James. He was the youngest of 21 children. Melvin was baptized at a young age by Pastor William H. Copeland Jr. at Morning Star Baptist Church, and was a faithful member, who loved the Lord. Melvin graduated from Westview High School in 1983, where he participated in basketball and track. He was united in holy matrimony to the former Carolyn Green on April 27, 2006. Melvin worked at John Malone Convenience Store on East Court St. for many years as a clerk and stockman. He then worked with his brothers at James Brothers Lawn Care Services until his health failed. He will be remembered for his expertise in lawn services, perfect painting services and being a handyman problem solver for odd jobs. He was always willing to help others with odd repairs. He especially loved helping his niece, Oletha, with her annual garage sales. He loved to tease and to be the jokester with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, Dominos, dancing and music. His favorite sports teams were the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Bulls. He loved chicken and Mountain Dew. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Carolyn Green James of Kankakee, IL; one stepchild, Oshea Israel of Minneapolis, MN; step-grandchildren, Myoshea, Oshea Jr. and Omeisha; his brothers, George James Jr. and Theotis (Ramona) James, both of Kankakee, IL and Richard James of Minneapolis, MN; his sisters, Annie Winfield-Brooks of Kankakee, IL, Bertha James-Scott of Minnesota and Mary Anthony of Springhill, TN; God-sister, Willie Lou King and special sister, Tiet James, both of Kankakee, IL; special nieces and nephew, that were with him to the very end, Marilyn Williams, Lakesia Winfield and Oletha and Anthony Grant Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe, Willie, Tommie, Jessie and James; sisters, Jesse Mae, Lize Sweets, Jessie Mae Virgin, Mattie Dell Coleman and ten other siblings; several aunts and uncles; nephew, Kelvin “Ril Dil” Winfield; brother-in-law, Major Anthony and special friends, the Pinskis, the Seatons and the Jacksons. Melvin “Bo” James was a beloved member of the Kankakee community and he will be deeply missed.

Tributes

Melvin "Bo" James

April 27, 1964 - December 17, 2025