Sunrise: July 1, 1940 Sunset: October 24,2015
Floyd Alexander James, son of the late William Boyd and Georgia James was born on July 1, 1940 in Powell, Texas. His family moved to Compton, California in 1952. Floyd attended carver Elementary School, Willowbrook Junior High School, Centennial Senior High School, Compton College, and California State University at Dominguez Hills with a major in Business Administration. Floyd married Constance on September 7, 1958 in Los Angeles, California. In their marriage, they were blessed with three children and shared many mutual interests: love of God, family and friends, travel, and music. Together they established a life in Compton with a commitment to local philanthropy. Following his parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, Floyd owned and operated several businesses in Compton, including a James Lawn Mower shop in Los Angeles, CA., Classic Cleaners, World of Seafood Fish Market, and Christmas Tree lots, throughout Compton, CA. As a contractor, he built and owned several properties in and around the Hub City. In 1977, Floyd ran for Compton City Council, District 2. He is well known for his political services in the city of Compton and served four consecutive terms. Floyd was President of the Young Adult NAACP, Chairman of the Criminal justice Planning Commission, and president of the Compton Lions Club.
Floyd relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2013 with his wife. Floyd leaves a legacy of community service, dedication to family, and love of God. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Georgia James, brother Deacon William James, Jr. (Eileena), sister Olivia Smith, and grandson Jovan James. Floyd leaves to carry on his legacy the love of his life Constance James, and their three children, Charlavonna James, Floyd James Jr., and Jacqueline James-Fields (Garry), as well as Marvin James and Sedonia james, grandson Ryan Pettway (Denesse), great-granddaughters: Rhyen Pettway, Amber Wynn, brother Dr. David James (Flory), sister Gloria Redd (transitioned, William), sister Loretta Venable (Harry), brother Joshua James, sister Aleatha James-Tipton, and very faithful family, friends and business associates. Community Service Floyd James served as a councilman for the city of Compton for 12 years. During this time, he also worked to help bring much needed programs and non-profit organizations to the city of Compton.
One of the very successful organization Floyd brought to the City of Compton was a Computer training Center in the early 1980’s. This center helped many young people to learn a skill and prepare for life. Floyd helped the residence gain access to these programs through his support for the Cities’ JTPA program when low-income residents could qualify for the program. Many of the graduates from this local training center went on to become successful business persons and Entrepreneurials that worked and gave back to the City of Compton. As a city councilman, Floyd was also instrumental in sponsoring many other community events that also helped the citizens of Compton to become successful and become gainfully employed.
One of the most successful events were the community retreat. Floyd James sponsored several community retreats to Idyllwild CA., where hundreds of low-income student and family members participated in job training workshops. These workshops were extremely successful. Many city employees and other elected officials supported the retreat. Family Values I am Rhyen Aaliyah-Ruby Pettway, and I am the Great-Granddaughter of Floyd Alexander James. One of the things that I will remember the most about my Great-Grandfather is that he never procrastinated. The reason I know this is because my dad always tells me about the note to self, papa had in his office that read “A procrastinator is a person that takes too long to start to get ready.”
Another reason I know is because anytime we called my great-grandfather he was always there for us no matter what. My great-grandfathers hard work and determination has had an impact on my life because it makes me want to work hard and establish a business of my own. Papa, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me and my family, and I know now that I have another angel to protect me. Rest In Heaven Papa, I love you. Rhyen ~