James Edward "Rashon" Bulger

James Edward Bulger was born on April 12, 1961, the first born son of Gwendolyn and James O. Bulger. James was affectionately known as Rashon, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. James departed this life on February 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and perseverance that will be cherished forever. Born and raised in Newark, NJ on South 15th Street, of the legendary Number Blocks.
James grew up surrounded by family, friendship, and an undeniable sense of community. He attended Newark Public Schools, and was a proud graduate of Vailsburg High School, where he built lifelong connections and began shaping the determined and hardworking man he would become. He went to 15th Avenue School and was well known in the entire area. He was known for fighting, a karate skill taught to him by his Uncle David, who was his dad's youngest brother. They were close in age and since his uncle was a little older, he fought James a lot. So, James had no choice but to learn to fight. This was how he became well known in the neighborhood.
James' father wanted him to know more than the streets of Newark. He sent him to spend summers and quality time with his huge and extended paternal family. In this home, affectionately known as "The Road," included great grandparents, his grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins, in Hightstown. This time was spent learning to hunt, fish and other life skills, while hanging out with relatives, and making himself known in the surrounding areas and Trenton. He also spent summers with his maternal family in Long Branch. There he stayed with his grandparents and uncles, who were close in age. That was where he hung out and learned about the Jersey shore area. So, he basically had a well-rounded life and experienced different areas of New Jersey. But, if you know, you know nothing taught and gave him more experiences than those in the heart of the West Ward and Vailsburg area, than the infamous Number Blocks. Raised in his parent's home on South 15th Street, this is where his life of hard knocks really began. As he got older, of course his looks, funny character and the way he dressed, made him well known to the ladies. Being able to always have his Aunt Ruth's brand new Ford Futura put the icing on the cake. He was that guy.
James dedicated himself to a career in the sanitation field and truck driving, a path that led him to take a bold step into entrepreneurship. When James drove those sanitation trucks in New York, he learned his way all around the city and met a lot of people over there as well. He founded Koko & Bros Garbage Removal, a business that reflected his strong work ethic, resilience, and commitment. He took pride in his work, and his business became not just a source of income but a symbol of his dedication to making a difference in his community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, James was known for his infectious personality and comedic spirit. He had a way of making people laugh, lifting spirits with his quick wit and natural humor. Whether it was through a joke, a playful tease, or an exaggerated story, he never failed to bring smiles to those around him. He had an undeniable love for playing pool, swimming, and traveling, always seeking new experiences and adventures.
James loved his family, and though life presented its challenges, he never wavered in his love and devotion to those he held dear. He was preceded in death by his parents Gwendolyn and James O. Bulger, his brother Eddie Jerome (Jabar) Bulger, his grandparents and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins that won't be forgotten. He leaves behind his younger siblings, a beautiful and enduring legacy through his children: his sons James Bulger (Peewee), Shaheen Bulger, Andre Horton & Joshua Travers, and his daughter Kokhita Horton. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Shatiah Bulger, Shakai Bulger, Shahen Bulger and Asani Horton. He also leaves to mourn his younger siblings: Abdul, Ahjanae, and Samar Bulger, his bonus daughter/niece Shainahyla Ayo, grandson Kaiden, along with his nephew Jihad Wingate, and his cousin, who he affectionately called, "Little Sister Granny," Vanessa Mozee. James leaves to mourn a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends, who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. He was his family's favorite. He loved them and they loved him.
James was loved by all his family, and they grew up with a tight bond, especially with the cousins. Whether it was South Jersey, Long Branch, Mapes Avenue, or those Number blocks, he was known. Everywhere he went, and no matter what the occasion was, he would make people laugh. As we all know, there's a great feeling with laughing. He would make you laugh, in good and bad times. He would make you laugh when you were hurting or even when he hurt. He would make people laugh no matter where he was. He would make people laugh at the hospital, at the doctor's office and even at a funeral. At a funeral, he would be known for saying, "I'm not crying, my eyes are sweating." Hoping this memory of him made you smile again.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of James Edward Bulger. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.