James D. Washington

James D. Washington was born September 15, 1928 in Daphane, AL, to Wesley and Odessa Washington and he departed this life on November 28, 2020 in Orange Park, FL, at the age of 92.

Known to his friends and family as “JD,” he began his career as a cook at The Grand Hotel before working as a Merchant Marine. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. After leaving the Army, he made a home in St. Louis, MO, where he honed his cooking skills into a craft and opened his own restaurant. He later moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where he was a very active member and leader of the Pikes Peak Region Elks Lodge #473. While in Colorado, he continued to exhibit his love for cooking as a chef at the Broadmoor Hotel, until his retirement.

JD enjoyed fishing and was an avid Colorado Rockies fan. He led an active social life and was known by his friends as “the life of the party.” He had a playful sense of humor and a mischievous gleam in his eyes. He could be counted on to sport the coolest clothes and drive the newest cars. He was always willing to share stories about growing up in Alabama and his life and times throughout the United States. He had a giving and thankful heart, making everyone feel lucky both to love and to be loved by him. 

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Odean Washington Ellis (Thomas), Melvin Leo “Sister” King (Alphonse), Johnetta Washington, and his brother, Otis “Pop” Washington.

To celebrate his life, James leaves his sister, Shirley Washington; nieces and nephews, Winifred Johnson (Dan), Darnell Ellis, Gerald Washington (Louise), Joyce Gervin (George), Tommy King, Melba Harris (Vincent), Tim King (Julia) and Rick King; sister-in-law, Louise Washington, wife of the late Otis Washington and other relatives and friends that loved him dearly. 

In recent years, JD was cared for by Gerald and his wife, Louise.

The interment with military honors will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville,  FL 32218.

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