Elvis P. James, aka Ricky, was born in beautiful Roseau, Dominica, on January 19, 1959, to Minolia Williams and the late Vernon James. Ricky was the fourth of nine children and the second son. He migrated to the United States in 1985. His primary focus and goals upon migration were to
return to Dominica and marry the love of his life, Mavis, aka Elvina. In July of 1987, Elvina joined her beloved husband in Boston, Massachusetts. Over the course of 36 years of marital bliss, they had four children: Jamila, Jelani, Jelyia, and Jahaan. Ricky’s children were the apple of his
eyes. The children loved to go along with their dad when he visited his mom’s home or family and friends. He would always tag them along when he went out to events. Ricky always had a love for all genres of music, but his love for Reggae was insurmountable. Reggae soothed his soul. His favorite Reggae artist was Bob Marley. He knew all the words to every Bob Marley song and treasured his priceless Bob Marley records. Ricky attended Roseau Public School in Dominica, and upon arrival in the U.S., he pursued a career in Mental Health Care at the Lemuel
Shattuck Hospital in 1986. Ricky took great pride in doing his job well and never allowed issues to bother him. His calm and tranquil personality drew patients, coworkers, and others to seek his friendship. Ricky’s quiet demeanor and characteristic was a reflection of his humble soul. His relaxed and serene spirit prevailed in an often-unsettled world. He dealt with personal issues with a wise and upbeat demeanor. He never let anything affect his way of life or worry him to the point of depression. Ricky was easygoing, easy to talk to, understanding, and very considerate.
On the early morning of July 1, 2023, Elvis P. ‘Ricky’ James was called home. His siblings, Muffilyn and Gregory, predeceased him. His daughter, Jamila T. James, predeceased him as well. His surviving family members who will hold loving memories of Ricky are his mother, Minolia Williams, and his siblings, Ambrose, Merlyn, Kelsick, Jenny, Glyn, and Chet. His spouse, Elvina James, and his children: Jelani J. James, Jelyia J. James, and Jahaan J. James, mourn the loss of a dear husband and father. Along with a multitude of cousins, nephews, nieces, relative and friends, we’ll all miss Ricky’s presence dearly in our lives.
May his soul rest in eternal peace with the Lord.
Viewing hour will be on Friday July 14, 2023 from 9-10 AM followed by a Religious Service from 10-11 AM in the Joseph Russo Funeral Home, 814 American Legion Highway, Roslindale, MA. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, 920 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA.