James Monroe Staples
Sunrise: January 27, 1951 -
Sunset: January 31, 2021
James Monroe Staples transitioned from this life on January 31, 2021. James was born to Johnnie Lee and Odell Earline Paige Staples on January 27, 1951 in Greenwood, Mississippi. His father later married, Irene McKinney, who raised James from the age of 12. His brothers included Vero West and stepbrother Walter McKinney.
James graduated from Jackson State University in 1973 where he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. James loved music and singing. He, Jessie Thompson and Willie Norwood, (Brandi Norwood’s father), formed the singing group, The Three Omegas, while at Jackson State.
James served young people in the Juvenile Rehabilitation System for over 30 years. Jobs included: Rehabilitation Counselor and Lead Staff Security Supervisor at Echo Glen Children’s Center, and a Juvenile Rehabilitation Coordinator and Parole Counselor at the Region 4 Seattle Office to name a few. James was passionate about restorative justice for children of color. In 1985, James started his own business, Staples and Associates, providing training in cultural competency and crisis intervention among other things.
James was deeply involved in the community as a member of Black Child Development Institute. As the founder of Project Homecoming, James took Seattle high school students to visit HBCU campuses. James was proud member of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. James was a member of Damascus International Fellowship.
On June 1, 1993, Aja Dawn Staples, James’ only daughter was born. Aja fondly remembers breakfasts of pancakes and apples with Blackburn Syrup.
James is proceeded in death by his parents, Johnnie Lee and Odell Staples; brothers, Vero West and Walter McKinney. James is survived by daughter, Aja Staples and her mother Lisa Brown; stepmother Irene Staples; longtime friends, Mary and Tommy Bogan; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. brothers; family and many loving friends.
Viewing: March 4th, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Serenity’s Personal Alternative Chapel: 749 Central Ave. N., Kent WA 98032
Services livestreamed: March 5, 2021, 12:00 PM on https://www.cbsr.org. Hit Facebook or YouTube tab. Tribute Wall: www.SerenitySeattle.com
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