Obituary of Dr. James A. Peters, Jr.

Jimmy, Jim, Doc, DP, Bond, Poppy was some of the names but he was my James a husband, father grandfather. DR.James Austin Peters, Jr., son of Mr. James A. Peters, Sr.and Mrs. Gladys Rich Peters was born on September 12, 1947 and transitioned from his earthly journey to his final resting place on Friday, April 3, 2020. James spent most of his formative years in west Philadelphia where he attended Barry Elementary school, Sayre Junior High school and Overbrook High school. During this time, he was an active member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. He was also involved in community activities to include the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts. James served his country as a sergeant in th U.S. Army and received an Honorable Discharge in 1976. James was a learned man. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from the prestigious Howard University in Washington, DC and retired to Philadelphia where he began his career as a teacher in the Philadelphia School system. However, he understood the importance of the education and while teaching elementary school, he continued his own postsecondary education by not only receiving a Masters Degree and a Doctorate in Education from Cheyney State University, a Certificate of Special Education from Penn State University, a certificate in Elementary Education from Temple University and yet another Docorate in Business Administration from Buxton, University. James knew to be an affective educator, you had to be educated and educated he definitely was that. He didn't stop there. James consulted on Laidlaw Mathematics book and Curriculum, he was an Academic Advisor for Work Ready of Phila., and Project Manager for the Federation of settlement just to name a few. He was recognized for his work in Who's Who in American Education in 1989-90. He was also an Adjunct Professor for Drexel University and University of PA. He retired from Powell Elementary School in June 2007 after over 37 years of dedication year of service. James continued to exhibit his passion for education as a substitute teacher in the Philiadephia School system until the schools were closed due to the coronavirus. A spiritual man, James knew God. He and his wife, Harriet, joined St. Matthews Baptist Church in Williamstown, NJ. It was important to him that they praised God together as a family.James was one that believed in supporting the community whether it was through his affiliations with various civic and social organizations, fraternity or otherwise, he cared deeply about his community. He coached the Powell Elementary school award winning track which participated in the Penn Relays, one of the most renowned track meets in the Philialephia area, and won three times!! While in college, James pledged Kappa Alpha Is, incorporated at Xi chapter (crossed the burning sans on April 21, 1969) and continued his membership the Burlington-Camden Alumni Chapter. In March 2019, he received white jacket for recognition of 50 years of dedication membership. He was also affiliated with North Eastern Ski Tours, Men of Distinction, and BT Productions. in 2009, James followed in his fathers footsteps and became an active of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was a member of Hiram Lodge #5, Holy Royal Arch Degree Jeptha Chapter #14, Mt. Ararat commandeer #12, Knights Templar Dehugo Consistory #2, Valley of Camden, Orient of NJ, Past illustrious Potentate of Zamora Temple #73 A.E.A.O.N.M.S, Past Worthy Patron of Arbor Vitae Chapter #40 O.E.S.. In all these organizations, James was an avid supporter of the community activities and events. while he may not have voiced his emotions, he was well pleased when the success of these activities contributed to the building and uplifting of the community. when he could find time between his activities with the Masons and organizations, he and his wife Harriet enjoyed traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father James Sr., his adoring mother Gladys, and his dotting grandparents.He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Harriet who he shared in marital bliss for almost 20 years; his beloved son Kevin W. Peters his stepdaughter Adiah Floyd (Greg) and stepson Myran Jones, II (Camille) whom he loved dearly, two grandsons, Harold Taylor III and Myran Jones III and one granddaughter, Imani Floyd all of whom were a great source of his joy. he also survived by his mother-in-law, Alberta Wright, two sisters-in-law Anna Steffen (Moustafa) and Kelly Robinson (Mitchell), two nieces Brittaney Savage (Daniel), Mariah Robinson, dear cousins Charles Peters (Zonetta), Jean Waits (Melevin), and a host of family and friends. Today, we celebrate the life of a good man, a kind and loving family man, God-fearing man and we know that God is well pleased with the life he led. Rest in peace James.