James Bernard Halley "JB"

James B. Halley began this world as JB Halley on August 14, 1944, born to the late Sarah Halley Raymond, in Lake Providence, La (East Carroll Parish). Due to an antiquated school requirement, his mother subsequently renamed him James Bernard Halley. “JB”, as she affectionately called him, was later raised by his maternal grandparents James and Mary Phelips Jordan. He would go on to attend GW Griffin High School and later complete his education at Central City Adult Education Center in New Orleans. James accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Union Baptist #1, located on Wilton Plantation (Transylvania, Louisiana), under the leadership of Reverend Lonnie Bruce Jackson. Later he would regularly attend Beacon of Light Church, New Orleans. And, it was his belief in Christ that prepared and sustained him as the ravages of his illness took a toll on his daily life. Once he reached adulthood, he relocated to New Orleans, where he was employed by Winn Dixie as a driver, and later for B&G Crane Service as a truck driver and operator for over 40 years before his retirement. As a point of pride, he would later brag to everyone within earshot about the sizes and lengths of the trucks he drove, real and imaginative to many who would listen. There’s a quote that says, “A boy has swag, a man has style, a gentleman has class.” And for James, jeans and sneakers were never a part of his ensemble. His style was “well dressed”— “just in case”. If you saw him, your eyes were first drawn to his hat or cap, which dictated the type of threads he was sporting on that day. No matter how he felt, he got up, dressed up, showed off and never gave up. To know him was to love him, as did many who entered into his orbit. If he spoke to you, he called you “Bubba”. But, when the conversation had to be one of correction, he called you a “Turkey”. Just as he had names for others, his family and friends lovingly called him by his nickname Boom or Boone. He jokingly shared how some of his local bar friends had named him Ruby Red. But, with reverence towards him, his siblings would later just call him Halley. But his truest devotion was his children and grandchildren who simply called him Daddy and PawPaw. James transitioned to a peaceful rest on July 8, 2020 at East Jefferson Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Halley Raymond and stepfather, Isom D. Raymond, Sr.; four brothers, Donald Railey, Robert Railey, Bobby Raymond and Lionel Johnson; three sisters, Delois Railey Mitchell, Jacqueline Raymond Mackey and Jacqueline Thomas. He leaves to cherish his memories: three daughters, Inga Halley Jenkins, Jeanette (George) Garner , Denise (Charles) Burse; two sons, Jason (Candice) Halley and Isaac Doyle; six brothers Calvin Raymond, Isom Raymond, Jr., Artis Raymond, Ronnie (Dorothy) Raymond, Andrew Lee Thomas, Jr., and Aaron Johnson; five sisters, Jennifer Raymond, Joyce Raymond, Carolyn (Anthony) Scott, Ida Johnson, and Patricia Stewart; nine grandsons; ten granddaughters; eighteen great-grandchildren; two special friends, John Emory and the late James Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Household of Faith, 2074 Paxton St. Harvey, LA at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am. Due to COVID-19, attendance is limited and please follow social distancing guidelines and a mask is required to attend service. Interment: Restlawn Park Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125.