James "Reds" Washington

JAMES MATTHEW WASHINGTON, SR. son of the late Charles M. Washington and the late Corrine Washington, was born on July 25, 1964, in Baltimore, MD. God was ready for James to come home, and he departed his earthly life on May 31, 2024.

James, affectionately know as "Reds", was born and raised in Baltimore. Maryland. He was the youngest child of Corrine Miles-Washington and the oldest of Charles M. Washington. He had two older siblings, Raymond and Patrice.

As a young child, James adored his brother Raymond and enjoyed tagging along with him wherever he went. He also enjoyed walking a few blocks to his home away from home and the family's happy place, Uncle George and Aunt Dump's house. Aunt Dumpy had a passion for cooking and was known to prepare delicious, home-cooked, meals for all who visited. James loved her cooking and could often be found in the kitchen preparing a plate of food. There, with his older cousins, is where James spent most of his childhood and teenage years, playing sports, meeting girls, being mischievous and maturing into the man we know and love. James made sure he stayed connected with his family and established bonds that would last forever.

James was educated through the Baltimore City Public School System. He attended Elmer A. Henderson Elementary School, Herring Run Middle School and Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School (Mervo), where he was a print shop major. He graduated and received his high school  diploma from Mervo in 1982. James was very intelligent and an avid reader. He enjoyed reading about history, true crime, religion, Shakespeare and autobiographies. He could also count and calculate large numbers and percentages without a pencil and paper, just like his mother Cora.

Reds was a strategic thinker and loved playing games such as chess, dominos and scrabble. He also enjoyed hanging out in East Baltimore at the CB clubhouse or at the local car wash, mostly talking smack or sports at a spades table. James was very competitive and you could usually hear his loud talking and laughter before you ever saw his face. He was also a sports fanatic; baseball, football and basketball were his favorite sports to play and watch. His heart leaped with joy when his younger cousin Sam Cassell was drafted to the NBA. He was a proud big cousin and traveled near and far to cheer Sam on along his NBA journey; together they shared many experiences. He was also a die-hard Baltimore Ravens fan and was in high spirits whenever the Ravens won a game. He was ecstatic when they won their first Super Bowl championship.

James had many hobbies and interests, including vintage and sports cars. One of his favorite pastimes was waking up on Saturday mornings to watch the show adaptations from his massive comic book collection, though, his true passion was traveling. James was an avid traveler with Miami, Vegas, New Orleans, Chicago, Texas, Memphis, LA, Bahamas, Cancun, Canada, Honduras and cruises being just a few of the destinations he frequented. However, his all-time favorite trip was his tour of the Motherland. He boasted about his exploration of South Africa and recalled being captivated during the Big 5 game safaris. He said the trip was life changing and had a goal to return to Africa with his family.

James was a proud man and understood the value of hard work from a young age. His legacy and financial security were important to him. He grew his wealth through entrepreneurship, investing in businesses and building a vast real estate portfolio. He also worked at CS Metals warehouse in Elkridge, Maryland for several years, before gaining employment as a longshoreman at the Port of Baltimore. After securing his position within the Longshoremen's Local Union 333., he helped several younger relatives gain employment at the port to ensure they had an opportunity to live a good life and stay out of trouble.

James was a member of the Washington, Morgan-Brown-Stokes and Miles families. He truly loved his family and was never afraid to show or tell anyone who would listen. He did his best to keep the family together and enjoyed hosting cookouts and pool parties at his home. There is nothing he wouldn't do for the love of family. James was both a protector and everyone he loved felt safe around him. James lived a bold and adventurous life; however, his greatest achievement was the honor of being a father. Fatherhood began for James in 1994, with the birth of his oldest daughter Semaj. His pride grew with the birth of each of his four children. After Semaj, his daughters Senay and Jasmine were born, followed by his only son, James, Jr. From toddlers through adulthood, all his children fondly called him "Da-Da". James loved his children dearly and was an excellent father. He taught them to be confident by encouraging them to always strive to b e great leaders and never followers. He loved to travel with his children, always gave them his best and was devoted to exposing them to a variety of cultures and new experiences. Most importantly, he taught them the valves of family and togetherness, and laid the foundation to ensure the WASHINGTON sibling bond would be UNBREAKABLE.

James was proceeded in death by his great grandparents Moriah and Branch Morgan, Cora and Alexander Miles. His grandparents, Viola Morgan -Miles and Roosevelt Miles. His Parents Corrine Miles-Washington and Charles Washington and his dear brother, Raymond Miles.

He leaves his family, not mourning, but rejoicing, knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. The memory of James will always be present in the hearts of his three daughters Semaj, Senay and Jasmine, son; James, Jr., sister; Patrice Ross Johns (William), nephew; William Johns, niece, Tanaia Johns; uncle, George Miles; three aunts, Viola Byrd (Conrad), Selina Dupye, Pearl Miles dear friends; Adrianne, Kelly, Eric and a host of other relatives and friends.