Gerald Jerome James, 66, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. A native of Palatka, he was born on Tuesday, September 16, 1952 to Leroy James, Jr. and Dorothy M. James. He was educated in the Putnam County School District attending both Central Academy and Palatka South High Schools, respectively, graduating in the "Promising Class of 1970." Upon graduation, Gerald moved to Washington, D.C, where he was employed as a Finger Print Technician for the FBI and subsequently as an Inspector with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Atlanta, GA. After retiring from this position, he was employed by Pratt Whitney Aircraft in Middletown, CT until he returned to Palatka. At an early age, he attended and was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church, East Palatka, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend L.C. Hicks. Gerald never met a stranger, a very funny guy who loved to have fun and lived life to the fullest! He was an avid sports fan and his favorite pro football team was the Washington Redskins. Gerald loved his family and friends and was always ready and available whenever you needed him. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his father, Gerald was preceded in eternal rest by his paternal grandparents , Leroy James and Mary L. J ames; maternal grandparents , Henry Norford and Amelia Norford; brother, Larry Thompson.

He leaves to cherish his memories: mother, Dorothy M. Giles, Palatka; brothers, Ronnie L. Thompson, Ocala; Kenneth "Kent" (Elnora) James, Palatka; Sean James, Norfolk, VA; Rev. Darrell Gilyard, Jacksonville; Stephen Giles, New London, CT; sisters, Shelly (Roosevelt) James, Powhatan, VA; Marie James, Redding, PA; Kathy (John) Jones, Jacksonville; Florie Davis, Palatka; Cynthia Williams, Jacksonville; aunts, Annie M. Brown, Palatka; Catherine Banks, Greensboro, NC; Thelma Hunter, Palatka; Joan (Kenneth) Meeks, Jacksonville; uncles, Henry (Aurilla) Norford, Jersey City, NJ; Joe Norford, Daytona Beach; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In accordance with Gerald's wishes, the family planned a private memorial tribute with cherished memories.