James Lee Brinkley

IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF JAMES LEE BRINKLEY James Lee Brinkley was born on February 11,1941 at his original family home in South Weldon, North Carolina located in Halifax County. He was the eldest of five children born to the late Jimmie and Mae Beulah Jones Brinkley. He transitioned into Eternal Rest on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. It was at Ralph J. Bunche Elementary School in Weldon, North Carolina that James received his primary and junior high school education. He graduated from Ralph J. Bunche High School in Weldon, in the class of 1960. During his high school years, James was a notable, outstanding athlete who displayed phenomenal athletic skills and abilities as a member of the school football, basketball, baseball and track and field teams. Nurtured in a devout Christian home, James was baptized at St. Peter’s Baptist Church in Weldon, North Carolina at an early age. His family were loyal members of St. Peter’s Baptist Church. There he and his siblings were active members of the church, Sunday School classes, the Junior Usher Board, the Baptist Young People’s Union and Vacation Bible School, among many other ministries. Following his high school graduation, James relocated to Stamford, Connecticut where his brother Charles and Mollye followed . After a romantic courtship with the young and attractive Glory Jarrett whom he met in 1962, James and Glory entered into Holy Matrimony on May 4, 1963. Their beautiful Wedding Ceremony was performed by the Reverend Cyril Peters at the Neighborhood House in Stamford, Connecticut. To this blessed union of sixty years was born one son, Brian K. Brinkley. James Brinkley joined the fellowship of the Union Baptist Church on June 5, 1983. He was a faithful member of the church for forty years. For a long period of time, Mr. Brinkley made valuable contributions as a professional employee of various corporations in Stamford, Connecticut. These industries included: The Polycast International Manufacturing Company and The Sterling Drug Company. He then served as the Head Custodian of The Bi- Cultural Day School in Stamford, Connecticut for twenty- six years until his retirement. He reveled in large family gatherings where his immediate family, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives were present. He joyfully attended Fourth of July birthday celebrations in honor of his mother and school reunions with former classmates held during Memorial Day Weekends at the Roanoke Rapids Community Center in Walden, North Carolina. In addition, lavish holiday family dinners were also among his favorite events. A dedicated sports enthusiast throughout his life, James derived immense joy from successfully competing in track and field races with men much younger than he at Scalzi Park in Stamford. A connoisseur of musical compositions from the Big Band era, he also loved listening to and dancing to Swing Music. He had a great love for golf and fishing before and after retirement. James possessed a vivacious personality and a vibrant sense of humor. He was well liked by all who befriended him. He maintained a special kinship with friends at Young’s Barber Shop, his friends, Joe Fields store on West Main Street and the Pool Room with whom he spent many delightful hours of frivolity. He and Glory greatly relished the memories of the glorious trips which they took to Aruba, Nassau in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Niagra Falls, Canada, Cancun, Mexico, Panama, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Numerous other locations. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three brothers: Purnell Brinkley, Ernest Brinkley and Charles Brinkley. He leaves to cherish his treasured memory: his beloved wife: Glory J. Brinkley of Stamford, Ct.; one beloved son : Brian K. Brinkley(Hope) of Stamford, Ct.; two devoted grandchildren: Ashley and Dominique McDow of Stamford, Ct.; one devoted sister: Mollye Fortt (Charlie) of Fairfield, Connecticut, one beloved aunt: Mamie Jones of Brooklyn, New York; two devoted nieces: Yolanda Johnson of Norwalk, Ct. and Regina McCluster of Ansonia, Ct.; four devoted nephews: Chaundru Brinkley of Norwalk, Ct., John Fortt of Hartford, Ct., Val Guilford of Norwalk Ct. and Anthony Williams of San Francisco, California; two devoted Godsons: Ronald Preston of Stamford, Ct. and Michael Barrett of Greenville, N.C.; a devoted friend: Kevin Brown of Norwalk, Ct.; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, extended family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, May, 22, 2023 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM followed y a service of celebration at 11:00AM with eulogy, Rev. Andre Bradley followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien, CT. Memorial contributions in remembrance of James Lee Brinkley may be donated to: Union Baptist Church 805 Newfield Avenue Stamford, Connecticut, 06905 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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James Lee Brinkley

February 11, 1941 - May 16, 2023