Phillip "Bo-Leg" James, Sr.

St. Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church honoring the life of Phillip "Bo-Leg" James, Sr., 73, who passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.

A visitation will take place at the funeral home in St. Martinville on Saturday from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

A rosary will be prayed at 11:00 AM on Saturday.

Rev. Abelardo Gabriel, SVD will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Michael Mallery, Jr., Kaya Jones, and Kameron Martin, and Andrea Mitchell will read his obituary. Gift bearers will be Paige James, Jakalynn Phillips, Kaylen Jones, and Aniyah James. Musical selections will be performed by Chastity James and Brittany Jackson.

Burial will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Phillip "Bo Leg" James was born on July 23, 1951, in St. Martinville, LA. to the late Isabella James. He has gained his eternal wings on November 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, leadership, and unwavering service that will continue to inspire and uplift for generations.

Phillip was a dedicated community leader, coach, educator, and activist whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to family, faith, and service. He was a proud alumnus of Adam Carlson High School (Class of 1970) and continued his education at Knoxville College, later earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1999. Bo-leg dedicated his life to building and nurturing communities, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

His professional journey included roles as an educator, coach, administrator, mentor, and advocate, impacting thousands of lives in his community and beyond.

He began his career coaching the Black Angels softball team, later moving to coach football and basketball programs at Immaculate Heart of Mary, earning four championship titles. Phillip served as a United Way Administrator, a Youth Advisor, and a Family Advocate for SMILE Community Action Agency, where he was instrumental in supporting youth and families.

His activism included founding St. Martinville's first African American Boy Scouts troop #175 and establishing the Adam Carlson Summer Enrichment Program, which has continued for 20 years. He served as a constable for St. Martin Parish and was the Past President of the Golden Keys Social & Civic Club. Phillip was also the MW Master of Rising Sun Lodge #84.

Phillip's faith and dedication to the church were unwavering. He served as a lecturer, religious educator, and a past member of the Knights of Peter Claver at Notre Dame Church, where he was also involved in the Angel Tree Project and received both the Bishop's Charity Award and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award. His leadership extended to coordinating Kwanzaa celebrations and guiding the youth group, serving as a role model to young people.

Phillip "Bo Leg" James is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn (Mallery) James, his daughter, K-Alpha Jones (Floyd), his son, Phillip James Jr. (Tynisia), his cherished grandchildren, Kaya, Kaien, Kaylen, Kyren, Ranisia, Paige, Jakari, Patelon, Jakalynn, and Aniyah; his treasured great- grandchildren, Kahlani, Jream, Jru, and Paisley; one sister, Annabelle James; and one sister-in-law, Mary Zoe James.

He is preceded in death by his mother Isabella James, and brother, Michael (Sugar-bear) James.

"Phillip's memory will forever be held dear by those who knew him, and his spirit will continue to inspire his family, friends, and community for generations to come - a testament to a life well-lived"

Pallbearers will be Jakari Phillips, Patelon James, Kaien Jones, Leroy Anthony III, Mekhi Martin, Rodney James, Chad James, Christopher Alexander, and Matthew Delcambre.

Honorary pallbearers will be James Berard, Calvin Mallery, Roger Hamilton Jr., Anthony Stewart, Larry Narcisse, Leander Williams, Nolan Hamilton, Curtis James, Floyd Jones Sr., and Michael Mallery Sr.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for your love and prayers during this time of bereavement. We deeply appreciate your visits, cards, and calls, as well as the support from his beloved St. Martinville Early Head Start Academy.

Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.