Josephine James, Joe or Jojo as she was affectionately called, was born in Trinidad to the proud parents of Louisa Mason and Frederick James on April 25, 1945. She was the fifth of eleven children and is survived by two of her brothers, Frank and Anthony. She was the aunt, great aunt, and great-great aunt to many nieces and nephews. Josephine attended Malick R.C. School, and she was a fighter during her childhood. Anyone who messed with her or her siblings would receive a beating they would never forget.

One of the things Josephine and her siblings loved to do while growing up was to go to the river and lime. After her mom died in 1976 at the age of 56, many times Josephine wanted to take the role of mother to the family.

Josephine migrated to the United States over fifty years ago. She first moved to New York and after some years, she relocated to Boston where she lived up until she died. While in the States, Josephine embraced baptism and joined the church family. She loved to cook, serve and to give. Josephine was always willing to be a blessing to somebody and she used her skills in the kitchen to effectuate a lot of her giving. Jojo was well known for cooking a variety of dishes to feed the poor here in America and back home in Trinidad whenever she visited. She would have food sales to raise money to help someone in need, donate to the church or give to some other worthy cause.

According to Bishop Doyle of the Children of St. Ann’s Spiritual Baptist Church, Josephine started worshipping at the church in the early 80’s. She was very active in the church and would often be seen cleaning the vessels of the church and preparing the house for Sunday worship. Mother Josephine (as she was called by members of the church) was always willing to prepare her delicious food for many church activities, functions and events. She would often reach out to church members when they had any type of events themselves, offering to prepare one of her many dishes for them. Josephine was loved by them. She will be missed and they will cherish the memories they have of her.

Josephine was truly a boss in the kitchen. I am sure many, if not all of you here, can attest to that. Her culinary skills will truly be missed. Josephine was a loving, kind-hearted and friendly person. She did not have any biological children, but she was a spiritual mother to many. She was also blessed to be lovingly embraced as the grandmother of two children whom she met when she became their nanny over twenty years ago. Josephine (known to them as Marlene) became part of the Bakshi family and they became hers. She loved and took good care of Karan and Arjun and was very proud of the men they became. She remained very close to the entire family, and we know that they have also lost a family member.

Josephine was also very independent, strong-willed and loved to have her own way. She loved her family dearly and we loved our sister and aunt. Joe would often say that her family did not love her but that was because she did not get to have her own way.
Jo, you were loved by your family and friends both here in America and back home in Trinidad. You were a blessing to many, and your memory will live on in our hearts. As we bid a final farewell to you, may your soul rest in peace.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, 3-4 o'clock. Visiting Hour 2-3 pm.