Hollis J. James

Hollis Joseph James was born on March 19,1944, to the late William and Norma in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Tobago, and he was the second born of eight children. As a young boy, he loved playing mas (carnival), attending parties, and outdoor activities. He was always jovial, laughing, and smiling. He attended Rose Hill Government Primary School. He later attended Belmont Boy Secondary School. Upon the completion of his General Certificate Examination, he enrolled in a trade school to develop the skills of becoming a mechanic. After the completion of the course, He soon after obtained a job as a Machine Operator at Wholesome Bakery, where he worked for many years before migrating to the United States in the 1970s. 

Hollis bought a home in Bellport, NY, and later met his future wife, Gladys “Betty” Rogers, they married on February 4th, 1984. He traveled to Trinidad as often as he was able to visit with his sisters, brothers, and family. Hollis was always a diligent worker, a family person, set a positive example, and was loved dearly by his 4 stepchildren, one, Charles Hunter (deceased in 2021). 

Hollis enjoyed attending Jefferson Temple when he was not working and they had special services. As his two surviving sisters would say “I cannot recall ever seeing Hollis mad or upset.” He was really a happy person all the time. He was an avid wrestling fan, loved Saturday drives to Milanos in Long Island, loved old-school Motown music and Bob Marley, He enjoyed having drinks with family and eating whoppers from Burger King. He always looked at the brighter side of things . He retired at 62 from Entenmann’s bakery where he worked for about 15 years and later relocated to Harrisburg Pennsylvania in 2006. 

Hollis is survived by his wife, Gladys, Stepchildren Brian Hunter, Jeffrey Hunter (Jessica, wife), and Theresa Stanford (Jerome, husband), grandchildren Jeffrey Jr., Ronnie, Chris, Kim, Porsche, and Dante, 6 great-grandchildren, sisters Jocelyn Spencer and Sandra James, brother Leslie James (who reside in Trinidad), 5 brothers-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. 

Please keep the James Family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.