Damond James

Damond J. James, a devoted husband, father, veteran, and educator, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, at the age of 45. Born on December 7, 1980, Damond brought strength, kindness, and dedication to everyone who knew him. Damond had a relationship with the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as a teenager, He was baptized at Little Rock Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ. Damond was raised in New Haven, Connecticut. He attended New Haven Public Schools and graduated from Wilbur Cross High School. He was a standout athlete who played multiple sports, but he had a love for basketball. As a lifelong learner, he pursued higher education with passion, earning an associate degree from Gateway Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Southern Connecticut State University. With a profound sense of duty, Damond honorably served his country as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army for two years, during which he was stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he transitioned his passion for community and mentorship into education. He volunteered his time to the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress to identify and research grants for affordable housing for unhoused veterans. Damond spent over twenty years supporting young people with emotional disabilities and adults with intellectual disabilities in the human services field. Prior to his disability, Damond worked faithfully as a building substitute teacher at Johnson House School of the Stratford Public Schools, impacting the lives of countless students with his guidance and leadership. Damond shared 18 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, LaShante James. Together, they were blessed with two cherished children, Kennedy A. James and Kamyrn D.L. James. He was a pillar of support for his family, sharing close bonds with his parents, Charra L. Washington James and David W. James; his brothers, David B. James and Nate (Tina) Bennett of Hamden, CT; his father-in-law, Larry Kelley Sr.; and his mother-in-law, Dr. Pamela Monk Kelley. He is also fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Latrisha (Barry) Tucker of Buffalo, S.C., and LaQuionna Kelley of Houston, TX. Damond was reunited in eternal rest with his beloved grandmothers, Veola Washington and Leola Myers; grandfathers, Jessie Myers and Louis A. Holland; brother-in-law, Larry Kelley Jr.; aunts, Gwendolyn McCoy-Coleman and Janet McCarter; and cousins, Melvin McCoy and Stanley Myers. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his devoted wife, children, parents, brothers, father- and mother-in-law, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law. He also leaves behind a legacy of love through his three nephews, three nieces, one great-niece, one great-nephew, and a vast host of many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. For Cards and Condolences sent to: LaShante' James, P.O. Box 3153, New Haven, CT. 06515

Damond James

December 7, 1980 - June 16, 2026