RaShad Antonio James
1988 – 2022
“It is well with my soul”

RaShad Antonio James brought joy into the lives of his parents, Ronald J. James and Edith R. James (Pride) on July 10, 1988, the day he came into the world. He was a lifelong resident of Madison, Florida.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents: (most recently) Inez Wells Robinson, Howard Lloyd Robinson, and Homer Jean James.

Under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Dozier “David” J. Balloon, Jr., RaShad accepted Christ as his Savior, was baptized, and received into full membership at Jeslamb African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was actively involved in activities of the youth department during his membership there. RaShad was also adopted into the church family of Mt. Zion AME Church, Madison.

RaShad loved his family, especially his brother, and demonstrated his love with kindness, helpfulness, and encouragement. He also loved his parents, expressly his mother for her unconditional love and support.

Additionally, RaShad loved his “Village”, the Georgetown community, which helped to shape his life as well. He was particularly concerned about the welfare of the elderly; his passion was patiently doing whatever he could to assist them. One such person was Mrs. Deansie King, who also lovingly nurtured him as if he were her grandchild.

RaShad’s outgoing personality helped him to see the goodness in others. Likewise, his infectious smile showed others the goodness of his heart. It was not unusual for him to say meaningfully but also innocently to older/ “seasoned” ladies, “Hey, Beautiful” or “Hey, Gorgeous” which uplifted their spirits and also made them smile. He constantly met new people, but he did not consider them to be strangers, only friends he had not gotten to know.

It was God’s grace that sustained RaShad from two major accidents. Because He is a God of second chances, the Lord ultimately helped RaShad to accept the things he could not change, but more importantly, He gave him a hope for the future. RaShad used this time to grow his faith and to have that spirit of determination which made each day meaningful.

RaShad’s love for music was common knowledge by everyone in the community. He especially loved to rap and was regarded as #1 by his peers. His mother allowed him to spend time in the recording studio, but life’s circumstances prevented him from making a career as a rapper. He did, however, record a couple of CDs that he shared with his friends.

“Here I am, here I stand, Lord my life is in your hands.” As his life on earth was fading, Rashad Antonio James retained a little smile on his face which indicated to his family that it is well with his soul. He then answered the Master’s call with “I give myself away” and peacefully transitioned to his eternal home on Monday, November 7, 2022.

RaShad Antonio James’ spiritual legacy will forever be embedded in the hearts of all who loved him, specifically his parents: Ronald J. James of Greenville, FL, Edith (Johnnie) Pride of Madison, FL; brothers: Ontario Jerome James and Brian (ChaQuilla) McKnight, all of Madison, FL, Nelson Rohne of College Park, MD; sisters: Lisa (Michael) Cain of Waldorf, MD and Keesha Porter of Indian Head, MD; godmother: Anginett Alexander of Tampa, FL; god-sisters: Misty Alexander and Kenya Alexander, both of Tampa, FL; god-brothers: Jer-Michael Bradley of Tampa, FL, and Slater (Tiana) Williams of Jasper, FL; together with many other sorrowing uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives, and loving friends.