The Life of James "Jesse" Ancrum, Jr.

James was born on January 30, 1958 in New York City at Harlem Hospital. He was the third child of the late James Ancrum Sr. & Elizabeth Ancrum. James loved playing basketball and won numerous trophies in the sport.  He had a quietness and kindness about him which drew people to him. He was very popular in the neighborhood he grew up in, just because of the way he treated people. James graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School at age 17 with      honors. James was recruited to the University of Hawaii on a basketball scholarship, but transferred to Florida Memorial University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in         Accounting.

James was hired in 1980 by Wilma Williams, Owner of Wileo, II, Inc., a subsidiary of Burger King #26 in Miami Gardens, where he was a loyal Manager for 42 years. During this time, he mentored hundreds of youth from the neighborhood High Schools, Miami Carol City, Miami Norland & American High.

James was introduced to his wife, Debbie (AKA Gina), by Mr. Williams daughter, Vanessa  in March of 1987. The couples  first date was on her birthday April 7, 1987. They were married 4 months later on August 21, 1987. No one in the family knew of this union until the next day when he was introduced to her parents, Charles & Jeanette Lewis. Mom gave him his nick name at that time, "Hunny" & Dad just sat in his recliner with his arms folded (he was waiting for Mom's response first), he then accepted James as his Son-In-Law. This union lasted for just shy of 35 years from the first time they laid eyes on each other, until May 9, 2022. James adored his 5 children which were born to this union, Ashley, James Jesse, III, Jesika, Hakeem & Jaade. James was the epitome of a family man, so much so, that when they were young, he deemed every week as Dad and Kids family time. He and the children would take family grocery trips to BJ's, Winn Dixie & Walmart, lasting about 2-3 hours a week on his days off.

James went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 9, 2022. He leaves to cherish fond memories: his wife, Debbie R. Lewis-Ancrum; Children:  Ashley J. Escalante-Worrell (Darren), James J. Ancrum, III (Erica), Jesika A. Ancrum (David), Hakeem J. Ancrum & Jaade A. E.      Ancrum; Eight (8) Grandchildren: Chloe S. Thomas, Damir E. Worrell, Maverick A. Worrell, James J. Ancrum, IV, Jessiah J. Ancrum, Jaylani J. Ancrum, Sariya A. Gabriel & Lily E.      McKenzie. Siblings: Yvonne Ancrum-Green (deceased), Janette Ancrum, Brenda Ancrum &    Jeffrey  Ancrum. Niece: Janelle Ancrum. James will also be missed by a host of family members, friends & co-workers.