James O’Neil

Cosby Jr

Deacon James 0. Cosby Jr. was one of two children born to the late James Sr. and Ruby Cosby in Harlem, New York. After the death of his father, James, along with his mother and sister, moved back to his mother's hometown of Bainbridge, Georgia.

In Bainbridge, James attended Hutto High School. James excelled in his studies and graduated with honors. After high school, James continued his education at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In April of 1965, James began his first enlistment in the military. A career in both the Air Force and Army that would extend over the next 24 years coming to a completion in 1997.

For 21 years he served as an Accounting Technician with the Bronx V.A. Medical Center, Bronx, New York.

James joined the First Baptist Church of Englewood (FBC) in 1984 under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Isaiah Goodman.

Upon joining FBC his gift for singing was identified by the Minister of Music. Over the years, James sang in various choirs at the church. James also sang for four years with other male choirs in Patterson, New Jersey under the direction of Sister Irene Simpson. In addition to his singing gift, James was ordained a Deacon under the leadership of Rev. John H.

Spencer Jr. He has also served on the Trustee Fellowship and Awana. James was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Sonrise Development Corporation, a 501c3 organization that focused on fighting hunger and homelessness, that was established at FBC.

James loved music. His voice was not only used in service to God in the church, but also in service to the community in the City of Englewood's Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, a parade for those who gave their life serving in the Armed Forces, where James had the privilege of servings as the Grand Marshall of the parade in 2012. His heart for the community extended into his retirement years. James worked with the children at Nellie Parker Elementary School, volunteered with the Food Distribution Program, and served as Poll Worker.

James was a member of the American Legion Post #58 where he served as Commander, Ideal Temple Lodge #470, and the Shiloh Masonic Lodge #53, both in Englewood, NJ.

James leaves to cherish his memories a beautiful, loving and devoted wife of 37 years: Ruby Cosby, a sister: Jacquelyn Bryant (Jonesborough, Georgia), 3 sons: Bryan Venisee and James O. Cosby III (Bainbridge, Georgia), Kevin Chapman (New Jersey), a daughter: Estelle Cosby (Boston, Massachusetts), 3 grandchildren: Jenese Love (Boston, Massachusetts), Samira Chapman (New Jersey), Kenneth Jr. (Teaneck, New Jersey) and a host of family members and friends.

James was gifted with humility and did not seek exhortation, honor or praise which was evident by all the years serving his country. He loved God and his favorite saying was "I am too Blessed to be Stressed!"