Wilbert Allen James

Wilbert Allen James, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 20th at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA with family at his side. He was born to the late Marie G. James in Camden, NJ on May 3, 1952. He grew up on East Gay Street in West Chester. Affectionately known to many as Boo, attended West Chester Area schools and then completed his high school education with the Job Corp in Kentucky where he received vocational training. Upon returning home from the Job Corp, he briefly attended Lincoln University and then soon after joined the US Air Force. After his time in the military, he started satisfying his thirst and love of learning at various colleges in the California Bay Area including Alameda Jr. College, and San Francisco City College.
After returning from a trip to India around 1973-74, he found and became a beloved member of the Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach, SC. There he found his spiritual family and often devoted his time and attention to the center. For many years, he retreated there and volunteered his time for various projects. Due to his decline in mobility, his last road trip to the Spiritual Center was in 2019. Also, in his younger days, he shared in the Philosophy of Theosophy meetings in West Chester, PA with the Buglio family.
Throughout his life, Boo did what he loved most, traveling throughout the US and abroad. He traveled by, planes, trains, automobile, and buses. After being on the road, he would faithfully return to either Oakland, CA, West Chester, PA, Philadelphia, New Jersey, or Myrtle Beach, SC to connect with friends and family to share stories of his journeys before heading off to a new destination. He was a Martial Artist that excelled in various techniques that he enjoyed exhibiting and teaching to anyone who expressed an interest. At times he practiced in the Center Field of the Community Center in West Chester. A highlight of his Martial Arts experiences occurred when he and his sparring partner Kenneth McCullough of Oakland, CA met Bruce Lee in California in the early 70's. Boo was a devoted brother, uncle, and friend. He would help anyone. He was known for his generous spirit. He practiced the joy of giving with all he knew and loved. He never forgot a birthday and loved giving various thoughtful gifts–both practical and monetary. His gifts included giving watches, jewelry, nice pens, and household gadgets to his friends and family for their birthday or, just because. He loved to tell funny and interesting stories about his travels and time spent in the military and abroad. When his frequent traveling stopped, he regularly called his friends and family to keep their connections strong. He was a true friend!
Boo loved being outdoors where he could enjoy the trees, sunlight, sounds of nature and breathe the fresh air. He enjoyed expressing his deep spiritual thoughts through speaking, writing and poetry. One memorable work that he penned was entitled Thoughts to get High By. Back in the day, he enjoyed singing along while listening to Issac Hayes. He loved music, watching classic movies, old westerns, and old Kung Fu movies. When he was able, he enjoyed eating out with his family. He also loved his soul food.
Besides his mother, he is predeceased by his siblings, Thelma Botchway, Spencer James, Delores James Coleman, Elizabeth Jacobs, and Herbert James. He leaves to cherish fond memories, his brother, Winslow James of Oakland, CA, sister Jennoria James of Sacramento, CA and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and his devoted friend Marcia. We will all miss Boo!
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Wilbert Allen James, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.