Kenneth James

“Honoring The Life Of A Great Man”

Kenneth James, BSW, SWS, CCJP, CCDP-d

In the dawn twilight of Monday October 4, 2021 our beloved Kenneth James slept away in the peace and comfort of his home as per his request.  Born October 1, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Willie Mae James and James Rembert Kirkland, Sumter County, SC.

Kenneth was raised with other extended family members (the Taylor, the Cobb of Philadelphia and the Nelson of Washington, DC).  Kenneth had an amazing community in The Valley as he faced and overcame the challenges and the social needs of the inner city.

 As a young man Kenneth attended Zoar U.M.C under the late Reverend Joshua E. Licorish.

 Kenneth was educated in the Philadelphia school system. After high school Kenneth joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served in Vietnam.  A member of Edison High School which lost 64 service personnel, the highest in the U.S. America – “Edison 64.”

 He received an Honorable Discharge September 27, 1992. On September 20, 2021, he was Honored with a Silver Certificate for his armed service willingness to risk your life service to our country.

Kenneth was known as “Tree” and “Kenny Tree” by his family and friends.

In 1997 Kenneth met the love of his life who was his friend, his confidante, his lover and his wife Kim. Together they hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until parted by death. This was their solemn vows. September 20, 2021 was 25 years of marriage.

Kenneth furthered his education and graduated from Community College of Philadelphia with an Associate degree in Behavioral Health Human Services and while at the Community College of Philadelphia Kenny was awarded the Who's Who's Award of College Students and was placed on the Dean's list at the age of 53 years old. Kenny continued to pursue his education and enrolled at Widener University of Chester, PA in Social Work where he received his Bachelor degree. Kenny continued his educational dreams and enrolled at Capella University and received a Master's of Science in Human Service with a specialization in" Social Work and Community Service".  Kenny also holds certifications as a Criminal Justice Addiction Professional (CCJAP) and Certify Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomat (CCDP-D) in the state of Pennsylvania. Kenny has been working in the field of Social work and Substance Abuse as a Human Service helper serving our youth, our men, and women of our communities. Kenny was a strong advocate for social change. 

Kenneth was employed by the Philadelphia Prison System as a Social Worker Supervisor (known as Mr. James) where he received employee of the year award "twice" for his outstanding services to the Criminal Justice System and the Community. Kenny retired in 2018.

Kenneth and Kim has pet names for each other (husband and wifey). Kenneth’s support structure included religion, family, friends, the valley, narcotics anonymous and a close friend from Vietnam John “Gator” Douglas.  Thank you to his daughter Dawn for your love and care.

Love ones preceding Kenneth in death are his sisters: Annie Pearl Frank, Patricia and Cassandra James, his brother Izell James.

Kenneth leaves to cherish his fine memories his wife Kimberly James, one daughter Dawn Warren, three sons Jamar Stamps, Eli Bird and Amir James. Five brothers: Shakur Abdul-Ali (Channell), James Kirkland, Austin Kirkland, Whitney Kirkland (Robin) and Denzel Lee. Eight sisters: Sheila Ann James, Dr. Claudette James, Vanessa James, Thomasina James, Ernestine James-Brown (Jamal), Paulette Kirkland-Kelley (Darrell), Paulann Kirkland-Jenkins (Donald) and Michelle Kirkland (Joseph). Four brothers –in-law: Theodore, James, Andrew and Irving. Four sisters-in-law: Johnnie Mae, Beaevlyn, Judith and Doreathea (Wayne).  Twelve grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and also his dog fluffy.

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