Najeeb James Oliver Echols

Najeeb was the second child born to James Oliver Echols Jr., and Clentonia Rebecca Scott, on January 20, 1983, in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

He was Baptized at the age of 5 years old under the leadership of The Rev. John W. Martin.  He continued his spiritual journey under the leadership of The Rev. Kevin E. Dean, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, until he left to attend college.

Najeeb attended Whistler Elementary School where he discovered a love for sports. He played baseball and basketball showing promise in both. Najeeb was recruited to play basketball at Whitney Young Magnet High School where he was a major contributing player on Young’s 1998 State and City championship team, which is thought to be one of the best in state history. Najeeb transferred to Morgan Park his senior year graduating in 2001. Najeeb is profiled in YouTube’s “Preps Chicago Hoops” series.  In this series, you get a true sense of the essence of Najeeb, his drive and determination to succeed.

Najeeb began his college basketball career at the University of Missouri, Columbia Missouri and finished it at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.  Following his college career he played professional basketball in Venezuela, South America. He played professionally until an injury necessitated his return home.

Najeeb met the love of his life, Jaime Herbert, while attending the University of Missouri-Columbia.  Following his time in South America, he settled in Kansas with Jaime.  They married July 31, 2010.  To this union, two children were born, Jada Olivia Echols and Jalen James Oliver Echols.

Following his marriage to Jaime, he fellowshipped with Community Missionary Baptist Church, Shawnee, Kansas, under the leadership of Pastors Margaret and DeWayne Doss.

He earned his baccalaureate degree from MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, KS.  In 2014, Najeeb began his career at MetLife/Farmers Insurance Company. Currently he was a Property Claims FWS Field Supervisor for the Chicago, Illinois area.

In 2012, Najeeb started WIT Sports Apparel.  The company provided quality sports apparel to consumers, teams and corporations. It was also a sports brand sponsor to Amateur Athletes and Teams.

A few years ago, Najeeb felt the pull to start a track team to train his daughter and others in the area. He named his team WHATEVER IT TAKES – WIT.  At the end of the first year, several WIT athletes qualified for the National Junior Olympics. Every year since then, WIT athletes have participated in the National Junior Olympics.  The team is successful because of the hard work, dedication and support that every member provides to one another.

WIT, based in Johnson County, Kansas, is one of the nation’s leading youth sports programs. It offers youth between the ages of 7-18 the opportunity to learn and compete at a national level while working on speed, power and endurance.

WIT’s Philosophy in Najeeb’s words:
“We firmly believe that team building helps develop youth both emotionally and socially.  As coaches, we mentor our participants, help build positive self-images and strive to reach athletic and academic goals and achievements.  Good sportsmanship, for athletes as well as parents, is enforced so that we can continue to promote and develop friendships along the way.  This is achieved by encouraging our youth in a positive manner and giving parental and community support with encouragement from fellow teammates, coaches, parents and community leaders.”

The team quickly became known as the team to be on.  He was a tough coach, but his kids excelled under his tutelage. He was a father image, counselor and friend to the young people on his team.  The word spread at track meets and he soon had athletes from St Louis and Columbia Missouri and Manhattan, Kansas run for WIT.  They knew he would work them hard but that didn’t deter them from wanting to be on Mr. Jeeb’s team.

Najeeb was also a lover of music, especially “old school gospel.”  He sang, wrote and produced music. He also played guitar and the piano.

Najeeb was preceded in death by his father, James O. Echols Jr. and his sister Rashida Keys Parker.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jaime L. Echols of the home, his children, Jada Olivia and Jalen James Oliver Echols of the home.  His mother, Clentonia R. Scott, Grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. James O. Echols, Sr., Uncle, Karl Echols (Corrine), sisters, Mrs. Jamellah Echols Adams (Carey) and Ife Flemons Johnson, brothers,  Indego Scott (Carmen) and Damon Scott (Niema), Great-Great Grandmother Mrs. Daisy Echols, three great aunts, Rometa, Pamela and Karen and two great uncles, Marvin and Raymond Echols. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews  relatives and friends.

Services for Mr. Najeeb J. O. Echols, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Church of the Harvest.  Private Disposition.  Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.