James Anthony Jones was born on October 8th, 1966, to Ruby Jean Jones and Esley "Beaver" Jones in Arcadia, Florida. He was affectionately called "Tootsie" by his family and friends. His early years were spent at his maternal grandmothers' house where he spent time fishing, cooking, running around and playing with his good buddy Ronnie "mug" James. At an early age James learned the importance of worship and spiritual guidance while attending Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church alongside his grandmother Arie, also known as "Mama", every Sunday. During the time with his grandmother, he attended Smith Brown Elementary School and Desoto Middle School, where his love for football began. 

In 1976 James joined his mother, stepfather, and younger siblings in New York City but the fast-paced energy and city life was too much for the youngster who became homesick for his birthplace. James returned to Florida for a short time before rejoining his family where he became a devoted big brother, protector, and role model to his brothers and sister, all while completing his studies and working various jobs as a shoe salesman manager, cook and youth counselor. 

James graduated from the Theodore Roosevelt High School in Bronx, New York, in June 1985. He earned an associate's in science as an occupational therapy assistant from Laguardia Community College - City University of New York, in Queens, New York, August of 1993. Thereafter obtaining his bachelor's in science degree in occupational therapy from Dominican College at Blauvelt, Orangeburg, New York, in May of 2000. While at Dominican College, he met and married his loving wife, Tammy. They shared 25 years of marriage before her untimely death in November of 2024. 

James had many accomplishments in his life - Notably the foundation of his career - His license to practice as an occupational therapist in January 2001. His passion and expertise in his profession were held in high regards by his colleagues, patients, and their families at Visiting Nurse Services of New York, Greenwich Woods Health Care Center, Preferred Therapy Solutions, and most recently, at New Yorks Veterans Home in Montrose, New York. His care and commitment were precise, personable, and tailored towards those regaining their confidence and stability with their daily life functions after a traumatic event or injury. James was an exceptional caregiver that often went above and beyond his professional title; it was his true calling. 

James was a hardworking man and outside of work he had a passion for taking long drives, whether it be to Atlantic City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Florida - all while listening to 90's R&B and old school music. He also loved the music of Stephanie Mills and Anita Baker. He enjoyed reading books by John Grisham. He was an avid sports fan who loved watching championship boxing matches, football games, and his all-time favorite, college hoops with his family. James worshipped at Gracepoint Gospel Church in New York City, New York for several years until he was unable to attend but continued to rejoice in his reading of the bible. James died peacefully at his home in West Haverstraw, New York on September 7th, 2025.

James leaves fond memories with his beloved mother, Ruby Jean James, of Bronx, New York; His father, Esley Jones of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. His siblings, Louis "Ervin" James; Chanta James; Jospeh James; Esley Williams; Bethany Williams; Libby Williams; Peggy Williams-Young (Dion); Clarencia Goldwire; and Gwendolyn Gaines (Gregory). His Children, Jayquan Jones; Ashley "Brianna" Jones; and his stepson Michael Harper Jr. His grandchildren, Carter Anthony Jones and Ilana Olivia Jones, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and close buddies (of over 40 years), Ivan Johnson and Derron "Smokey" Edington. 

James was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Arie Lee and Woodrow Wilson Graham; his stepfather, Lewis James Jr.; His son, Jamar Robert Jones; and his wife, Tammy Bellamy-Jones.

"Tootsie" may be gone but his soul and the love he shared lives on. We will always carry his memory in our hearts.