Obituary for James Leroy Best Jr.
James Leroy Best, Jr.
James L. Best, Jr., of Willingboro, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on December 13, 2021 at the age of 40.
James was born in Perth Amboy, NJ to the late Beatrice and James L. Best, Sr., and was raised in Cliffwood, NJ. He resided in Elizabeth, NJ and Newark, NJ before his current residence of over 11 years in Willingboro, NJ. He graduated from Old Bridge High School, and studied Computer Science at Kean University. He worked as an Asset Profit Protection (APP) Manager for Burberry Limited. James was a Christian man that loved health, fitness, and especially football. He enjoyed passing on his love and knowledge to others. He was the President and Head Coach of the GridIron Access (GA) Academy, a non-profit organization whose goal is to teach football to youth in the area in order to build character, sportsmanship, self-confidence, responsibility and teamwork. He was a great role model and pillar in the community, and will be sincerely missed.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Leigh-Ann Stoddart-Best; their children Yazariah, Yosef, and Raquel Best; and siblings Jimille (Jay) Best and Jamark (Georgrica) Best; aunts, Mary Louise Perry, Cecelia Owens-Henderson, Maggie Bridgewater, Melissa Henderson and Gladys Gumbs; uncle Robert Lee Henderson; aunts, Cheryl (Steven) McGrew, Lydia (Carlton “Kite”) Best-Allen; uncles, Keith Payton, William Best, and James F. Best, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family and friends are welcome to his viewing on Monday, December 20, 2021 from 9:00 -11:00 AM, followed immediately by a Funeral Service. Both will be held at The Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 11 Wilkins Station Rd, Medford, NJ 08055. Masks are required while inside church. Internment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 500 Marne Hwy, Hainesport, NJ 08048.
In lieu of flowers, donations in James’ memory may be made to GridIron Access (GA) Academy (CashApp $GAAcademyFB) (Instagram @academy_gladiatorsfb) or The Boys & Girls Club of New Jersey.
James L. Best, Jr., of Willingboro, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on December 13, 2021 at the age of 40.
James was born in Perth Amboy, NJ to the late Beatrice and James L. Best, Sr., and was raised in Cliffwood, NJ. He resided in Elizabeth, NJ and Newark, NJ before his current residence of over 11 years in Willingboro, NJ. He graduated from Old Bridge High School, and studied Computer Science at Kean University. He worked as an Asset Profit Protection (APP) Manager for Burberry Limited. James was a Christian man that loved health, fitness, and especially football. He enjoyed passing on his love and knowledge to others. He was the President and Head Coach of the GridIron Access (GA) Academy, a non-profit organization whose goal is to teach football to youth in the area in order to build character, sportsmanship, self-confidence, responsibility and teamwork. He was a great role model and pillar in the community, and will be sincerely missed.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Leigh-Ann Stoddart-Best; their children Yazariah, Yosef, and Raquel Best; and siblings Jimille (Jay) Best and Jamark (Georgrica) Best; aunts, Mary Louise Perry, Cecelia Owens-Henderson, Maggie Bridgewater, Melissa Henderson and Gladys Gumbs; uncle Robert Lee Henderson; aunts, Cheryl (Steven) McGrew, Lydia (Carlton “Kite”) Best-Allen; uncles, Keith Payton, William Best, and James F. Best, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family and friends are welcome to his viewing on Monday, December 20, 2021 from 9:00 -11:00 AM, followed immediately by a Funeral Service. Both will be held at The Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 11 Wilkins Station Rd, Medford, NJ 08055. Masks are required while inside church. Internment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 500 Marne Hwy, Hainesport, NJ 08048.
In lieu of flowers, donations in James’ memory may be made to GridIron Access (GA) Academy (CashApp $GAAcademyFB) (Instagram @academy_gladiatorsfb) or The Boys & Girls Club of New Jersey.