James Brown Dorsey

Our gracious and Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom, visit our beloved James Brown Dorsey, and gently and peacefully let him to his final rest Saturday evening July 1, 2021.

On June 20, 1935 James was born in West Philadelphia to John Clark Dorsey, Sr. and Jennie Brown. James grew up in the Mantua section of Philadelphia with his four siblings; sister Barbara and brothers John, Richard and Ronald. James was educated in the Philadelphia school system, attending and playing as a stand-out defense lineman on the football team for Bok High School. James joined the United States Air Force on September 1, 1957 until his honorable discharge on January 9, 1959.

Not long after returning from Europe and service, James started a lifelong career with the United States Post Office until his retirement in 2009.

In 1962 he married his first love Shirley Mae Dorsey and embracing his son Charles started his number one love “Family”. This union began his love of travel and James and Shirley could be found enjoying life throughout the Caribbean. This also allowed him to grow his second love “Fishing". It was that love combined with travel that took him all over the world landing him prized catches and a host of international friends.

When his son Charles moved to California you could find James making that trek out west regularly to spend time with his grandchildren. Once they were old enough to fish, it became a requirement to spend time with Grandpa Jimmy at the ocean or some other river with a rod in their hands. There was no greater joy for James then watching his grandson and great-grandchildren hooking the next big one and bringing their catch to him for his review.

James's pastimes included watching his beloved Philadelphia Eagles or Philadelphia Phillies and cooking up a big meal with his son. Listening to jazz or spending time with his siblings, nieces and nephews. If you look up the meaning of a great son, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and let's not forget fisherman, you are sure to find his picture.

James is preceded in death by his parents Jennie and John, beloved sister Barbara, brothers Richard and John, long-time companion Christine. Left to cherish his memories are his son, Charles daughter-in-law Cynthia; brother Ronald; grandchildren Maurice, Charmaine, Nicole, Danielle, Charles Jr; step-grandsons Desmond and Deshon; great-grands Marisa, Victoria, Cameron, Madison, Christian, Drew; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews cousins and in-laws. His joyous spirit and love for all will truly be missed by all who knew him.