James Edward Childs
January 3, 1962 - June 25, 2009
Obituary
James Edward Childs
James Edward Childs, 47, passed away on June 25, 2009.
James died peacefully at his home in Tacoma, WA. after a 2 year battle with stomach cancer.
At his side was his partner and guardian angel Sylvia Swaney.
James was born on January 3, 1962 in Chicago, Illinois. He was one of 12 children. As a young adult he moved to California and in the late 80’s to Washington State. He spent most of his adult life between the two states.
He worked the majority of his life as a Residential Youth Counselor working with at risk boys in group home settings. His love and passion for the game of basketball and helping youth led him to coaching and refereeing. He coached for the Federal Way Boys & Girls club and led them to multiple championships while instilling dedication & team work. He also coached the Federal Way Flight which he created through the Amateur Athletic Union. He was a basketball official for the Federal Way Boys & Girls club and the PNBOA-Pacific NW Basketball Officials Association. He dedicated his life to helping youth. However, you could be sure he didn’t miss his children’s games. He spent a lot of time training his step-son, Anthony in the game of basketball and the game of life. This led him to start his own personal training business, ‘Just Coaching’. James not only taught youth the game of basketball but also tried to instill life values. He was a positive male role model to many young boys who didn’t have fathers.
James made an impact on the youth in his community and to all that knew him. However, his first love was his children. He spent much of his energy loving them. Everyone that knew James knew he was an avid Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs fan. But James had MANY fans of his own.
James is survived by his children, Danica Dianne Childs, Jalisa Chanel Childs, Deandra Danielle Childs,
Anthony Austin Jensen, Jamare’ James Childs, and Lynneah Jonelle Childs, all of whom he loved very much.
He is further survived by his father James Edward Childs, Sr. and his wife, Myrtis Childs, his siblings, Alton Steen, Sandra Steen, William Anderson, Arthur Driver, Shirel Driver, Anthony Driver, Darrenetta Driver, Sonia Driver Tibbs Roy Jr. Husband, Aaron Childs, Starla Childs, Dushawn Childs and nieces, nephews, other relatives and MANY friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Srimati Rhadarani Maggie Childs.
A ‘Celebration of His Life’ will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009, 12 o’clock noon
At the Federal Way
EX3 RON SANDWITH TEEN CENTER
31453 28TH Ave. South
Federal Way, WA 98003
Telephone: 253.681.6500
Donations in memory of James Childs can be sent to:
Federal Way Boys and Girls Club
P.O. Box 3134
Federal Way 98063
Or
Center for Missing and Exploited Children see the donation link below
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=1805
James spent many happy hours with kids and he would be happy to know that he is still helping them.
James Childs Is My Father & He Was The Best Anyone Could Ask For, Even Those Who Arent His Own Looked Up To My Father He Was A Good Father Figure ! He Had Great Advice & Really Cared About you & Your Family ! He Was About Respect & Loyalty . his Passion Was His Kids & The Court . He didnt Deserve Any Of This but God Did It For A Reason ! i Know He His In A Better Place Looking Over All Of His Loved Ones & I Know He Is Looking Over My Missing sister & Leading Her home ! i Miss Him Very Much & today Is Fathers Day It Hurtss not Being Able to Be With Him On This Day ! You Are missed & In A Better Place ; iLoveeYou Dad =
James, I am so sorry. You will always be in my heart and Shayla’s. We miss you.
My Prayers are with his Children, Family and many friends at this time. May God give you the comfort that is needed in your time loss.
James was like a brother to me I will always remember him and remember the good times we had. I met James 5 years ago at the Boys and Girls Club he was refereeing a game that I was coaching. We hired James to train our son Robert to get him to that next basketball level. From that day on we started to get to know each other. What I learned about James is that he was a man of RESPECT he walked the talk. He was a outstanding family man hwho cared about his family and always put them first. James and I started a AAU program here in Federal Way called the Federal Way Flight we had two teams one for the younger kids that included his son Anthony the other was for older kids that included my son Robert so we had it covered. We entered several tournaments including 3 on 3 tournaments that took us to Portland Oregon. James was always working with the kids teaching them about life and basketball he had a passion for working with the youth. James fought his cancer right up till the end he had his stomach removed that required one month in the hospital, He got out of the hospital and started his chemo and took the maximum amount that they can give to a person. Because of his conditioning James lasted longer than any other person could he was strong right till the end. James met his angel Sylvia Swaney who took him into her home and allowed him to pass on in her home with out the need for a hospital. With out Sylvia, James would of surely ended up in a care facility on his own. I want to thank her for all that she did for James I know she loved him very much more than I’ve seen anyone love a person.
James will be missed by anyone who got a chance to know him.
God Bless my friend James
James has been a friend for almost 20 years. When I met James, Danica was a baby and he was about to have his second child….and he was always on the basketball court! Throughout the years two things stayed the same – more than anything he loved his children and basketball! Through the physical and emotional pain he went through this last couple of years, he learned alot about himself,God and the legacy he was going to leave. With the help of those who truly cared and understood James, he left us peacefully, gracefully, diginified and lovingly. Sylvia was one of his angels on earth and I am so thankful she loved him ‘as is’ and was selfless to offer him everything he needed to pass on with love surrounding him.
James, I miss you already. I am proud to have been there with you and I am truly blessed to have known you. You leave me with many memories – funny, sad, silly, thoughful and inspirational. I know you are our angel now and will be with us in times of need…..For now…Love, love, love,
Sherryl
JC – I know you are in a better place now and we will miss you dearly. You were a coach and mentor to Kiara and I am blessed for the years we were able to know you. Every basket that Kiara makes will be for you and I know your smile is shining down on all your family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in Peace and we live JC Strong for you!
Kelly & Kiara
James Your courage and stength during your fight against cancer will always be something I will will admire. You taught me what it means to “Live Strong”. We shared many laughs and you helped & prayed with Sarah & I when our Dad was in the hospital. You also taught me to do the things I thought I could never do. When I was finishing the Seattle Rock-n-Roll 1/2 marathon..I thought of your courage and it helped me to finish the race. Thank you for giving so much to Anthony, he will always be a SUPER star. And your children will always have their guardian angel with them. May you rest in peace now. JCSTRONG!
Thanks for all the time and love you shared with the youth. You will always be remembered. May God bless your family.
I met James in 2007 when he and I were both on the same floor in Virginia Mason in Seattle – James spoke often of his love for family and the pride he had in the youth at the Boys & girls Center.
Rest well James – you will be remembered!!
James, I’m glad we were able to become friends over this past year. I will always appreciate all you did for Anthony- On and off the court.
He was so thankful you were able to come down to CA in October to watch him play & to see the both of us cheering him on together. You were the first person he wanted to call when he got his invite the Phenom Camp, and to talk basketball with after his games.
Your memory will live on! God bless and you will be missed.
JC, We didn’t know each other long but you left a hugh impact on myself and my family. We both have a passion for coaching and kids. You were missed on the court this year in your stripes. You are a great man JC, and one that touched me during our short time together, I was trying to find you the last several months, and I am sorry our paths did not cross again, but we will meet again. Rest in Peace! P.S. if you could put a good word in for me I would appreciate it! Luv ya JC
May James rest in Peace.He is with our Lord and God now.Love and splendor will surround him for ever more.God bless this fine man.My heart and prayers go out to all.
We shall all miss mr smiles. I know he is in heaven looking down apon us with that great big grin getting everyone to play dominos or bid whiz!!
Rest in peace and comfort brother.
James, I know that you are in the arms of the Lord now and you couldnt be in a better place. I pray for peace and love for your family and friends who will miss you so much. I personally cant thank you enough for what you have done for Jaryd.He will always remember you and we will keep your memory alive with pictures and stories. You will always be in our hearts and I will always LOVE the CHILDS FAMILY!!
I will miss you and pray for you everyday!
James was able to touch so many young lives while he was here. I pray that the Lord will comfort those that are mourning his loss, especially his children.
REST IN PEACE
NO MORE PAIN & SUFFERING
ENTER INTO THE HAND OF THE LORD.
We will miss “Coach” JC very much. He was a very big part of our lives, and we will never forget what he has done for us, both in basketball and our personal lives. We will always keep him in our hearts, and my son will always take with him what JC has instilled in him, and will continue to work hard and make him proud. We will always be JC Strong!! WE LOVE U COACH!!!
James was & will continue to be a blessing to me & my family. I’m proud that he was part of my family & that he added Jamare’ & Lynneah to it. His inspiration to Anthony will live on, both on and off the court.
I will always remember his respectfulness & appreciation, his big smile, his laugh the snicker and the bold one, his wonderful voice when he sang, all the terminology I learned from him basketball terms to clothes that were tight, as in cool, his conscientiousness about healthy food, how happy he was when the basketball season was over and he could give the boys awards, how he would always talk for hours to Anthony after the games about what was good and what needed improvement, how he loved being busy and having the kids around, how he was handy around the house…and most of all his courage to live every day that the Lord gave him. I am glad he is at peace now, in body and soul.
His “other” mom,
Katherine
JC you will be missed, but never forgotten! I will always see your face in the crowd at a Basketball game. I will always hear your voice asking me, “How are the kids, and most of all How is momma doing?” Thank you for caring so much. RIP.
In death a hero, as in life a friend!
James will always be remembered for his incredible courage and strength!
HE IS OUR FRIEND AND HERO and will be greatly missed!
Coach JC lived Strong!
I am james daughter lynneah I am so sad that my daddy died I loved he so so so so so so much and I am only 8 he died when I was 3 I wish I was in Bevin with him but when I do,die I will see him in heaven RIP James childs
Miss you so much pops. Thankful for all you taught me, I wouldn’t be where I am at without you
-Ant