Benjamin Franklin James

Mr. Benjamin Franklin James (Ross) was born August 25, 1946 in Tunica, Mississippi to Sarah Lee James. He attended the public schools of Tunica, Mississippi which was also where he professed his faith in Christ at a young age. Benjamin migrated to Chicago when he was 17 years old and purchased his first and only home at the age of 19, where he resided before his transition. Benjamin loved his house and took very good care of it.

Benjamin was known for being a great dad, and serving his community as a Police and Security Officer. Benjamin retired from Mount Sinai Hospital as the Watch Commander over the security team in 2008. After he retired he started his own transportation company call B. James Public Transportation LLC, where he transported his clients to their medical appointments as well as to and from the grocery store. Benjamin enjoyed fishing and sitting in his back yard, and his garage watching television or listening to music (he loved listening to the blues).  Benjamin’s generosity and influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him. He quietly departed this life Friday November 6, 2020 In Chicago Illinois.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his mother Sarah Lee James, brothers, Hugh Edward Williams, Eddie D. Campbell, and Robert James, sisters, Earnestine Speed, Barbara Jean Buford, Lucy Bea Campbell, nieces, Shirley Speed, Marquita Buford, Martha Blackmon, and a very special friend (mother of his children) Monnie Lee Jackson.

Benjamin’s life will be forever be cherished in the lives of his children: Benjamin James Jr., Melvin James, Alicia James, Jeanne James, Latonya Buford, Sonya Buford, Eulla Buford, and Sean Buford, step children, Danny R. Buford, Theresa Lumpkin, brother, Oliver Campbell, neice, Barbara Ann Speed, ex wife, Jeanette Whitehead, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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