James Alvin Medley was born on October 15, 1954, in Kingston, New York, he was the eldest son of Dorothy and James Medley, longtime residents of Poughkeepsie. Our beloved James departed this life on October 10, 2021, at his residence in Annapolis, Maryland, due to a sudden respiratory condition.
In the late 60s, James was an All-American for excelling in track, soccer, baseball, basketball and received 100’s of trophies. After graduating from the Oakwood Friends School in 1972, he attended Guilford College in Greensboro, NC, and studied criminal justice and psychology.
In the early ’80s, James was employed at St. Cabrini Home in West Park, NY. During his career, he served as a Bail Bondsman. While employed with the Baltimore Court system, he served as a Youth Advocate Supervisor for many years. Later, he worked at a Group Home.
In September 1989, he united in marriage with Sherry Day, and they had one son. James had two wonderful children, Jalayla and Aaron. He was a family man with a huge heart that held to his beliefs. James was a gentle giant, defending those he loved, and he was always willing to help with a big smile and a fun spirit. His entire life, James loved fishing, and he became a phenomenal fisherman who truly enjoyed sharing his bountiful stocks of fish with his friends and family.
In May 2008, while employed with the Navy Academy in Annapolis, MD, James was able to provide lifesaving CPR to a coworker. Later, he received a citation from the Secretary of the Navy and a Civilian Medal for Valor.
He married Shirley Ambrosio in July 2011 and was delighted to be a father figure to his stepchildren Cristine, Monique, and Patrick, and a grandpa to Alexis, Nica, KC, Ashley, Trisha, and Trixie.
James’ death has left his family, friends, and all that had the blessing of knowing him deeply saddened and heartbroken. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Trinity Temple SDA Church, 14 South Bridge Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. His brother, Dr. Anthony A. Medley, will deliver the Eulogy. A viewing will be held at 10 a.m., and the service will commence at 11 a.m. The family invites you to wear a hint of blue, his favorite color.
He was and always will be immensely treasured. James leaves a legacy of love with his family and fond memories with many new and longtime friends. Those remaining to cherish James’ life are his wife Shirley Ambrosio, son Aaron Medley, and father, James “Dolly” Medley (Kaye) of Myrtle Beach, SC. His brothers Ernest R. Medley (Victoria) of Gaston, NC, and Anthony Medley (India) of Bowie, MD. Sisters Faith Medley of Poughkeepsie NY, Selina Medley (Jeffery), and Stacey Troeger (Dave) both of Albany, NY. Uncles Leon Faulcon (Flora), Dennis Mosley, and Thomas “Bill” Mosley.
First cousins/siblings Leon “Pompie” Faulcon, Robert Medley (Sue), Cathy Timbrook (Russell), DeVeda Worthington, Denna Medley, Paula Medley, Lynell Childs, Sabrina Medley, Dennis Mosley Jr., Chanses Mosley, Maurice “Blaine” Hayes, and Donald “Toby” Carter (Linda), Sheree Anderson, Danielle “Sam” Atkins, Cassondra “Pebbles” Mosley, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, special extended family member(s), notably Winston Powell, special friend Norma Vizcarrondo, and many longtime friend(s), especially Roger Myrick, his all-time fishing buddy, classmate Barrett Nnoka, his champion baller Tony Elton, and great fishmen William Jones and Ricky Parker.
He shared good times and great moments with many old friends and recent coworkers, Jackie Jones, Candy Johnson, Robert Stevens, Henrietta Williams, Shawn Green Sr., Kathy Medina, Zeus Lagpao, Harold Levy, Misako Marthens, Harold Russell, Vincent Mobray, Denise Rowland, Joyce Hopkins, Darryl Carter, and Brandie Blunt.
James was predeceased by his wife Sherry Day Medley in 1993, his mother Dorothy Mosley Medley in 2004, and his daughter Jalayla Toi Medley in 2006. Also, grandmothers, Ida Medley in 1989, and Catherine Ada Mosley in 2006. He had love and great respect for those up the family tree, such as, his late aunts Marie Medley Worthington, and Shirley Anderson Walden.
A memorial cremation burial will be managed by the March Life Tribute Center in Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Medley family.
The family wishes to acknowledge and extend sincere gratefulness for all expressions of concern and sympathy. We appreciate each act of kindness shown at this time of deep sorrow.
Services have been entrusted to March Life Tribute Center-Laurel, 7601 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, MD 20707 and Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home, 39 South Hamilton Street. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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