Felix James

Dr. Felix James, retired professor at Southern University at New Orleans, departed this life on Sunday, February 23, 2014. Son of the late Leroy James Sr. and Blanche Clark James. Devoted husband of Florence Bernard James. Also survived by his daughter Chrystal Hunt, two grandchildren, Jayla Hunt and Artist Vinson, and 1 great-granddaughter; sisters Evelyn J. Jackson, and Ann “M” J. Gillis; and sister-in-law Chief Judge Joan Bernard Armstrong, Retired. He is also survived by a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends. After graduating from high school in Columbus, Georgia, he continued his education at Fort Valley State College where he was awarded 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. Dr. James had the privilege of serving as a faculty member at Southern Illinois University and Tuskegee University prior to joining the Southern University at New Orleans family in 1974. 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 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 accepted 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 7 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 Relatives and friends of the family, also Pastors, Officers and members of New Zion Baptist Church, St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church, Salvation Baptist Church, Louisiana State Baptist Association, Administrators, Faculty and students of Southern University at New Orleans, Dillard University, University of New Orleans, Prince Hall Masons and members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. are invited to attend the Homegoing Celebration on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at New Zion Baptist Church, 2319 Third St., New Orleans, LA at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Pastor C.S. Gordon, Sr. officiating, President of the Louisiana State Baptist Association. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.