Malachi James

MALACHI C. JAMES OBITUARY Today, we gather in the presence of God to honor, remember, and celebrate the life of Malachi Christopher James. Malachi was born on June 9th, 2011, at Hartford Hospital and resided in Middletown, Connecticut. On December 25th, 2025, after attending a Christmas gathering, Malachi was traveling with his father, sister and niece when he was called home to be with the Lord. Though his time on earth was brief, his purpose was fulfilled, and his spirit touched countless lives. Malachi was a freshman at Middletown High School and an active participant in STEAM programs, like the “Prof Gallitto” basketball league, through the Middletown Recreation Department, and ran track at Beaman Middle School. God gifted Malachi with a heart of compassion, wisdom beyond his years, and a peacemaking spirit. He was known as a healer, a negotiator, a “Roblox General” and a unifier—always striving to bring peace, where there was conflict. Malachi walked in kindness. He carried a giving spirit, radiant light, and an infectious joy that drew people to him. He was honest, respectful, and deeply loved. His laughter lifted heavy hearts, and his humor reminded us all, to find joy even in difficult moments. Many considered him the heart of the community, because he lived out love, in action. Malachi discovered early that his calling included service through creativity. He dreamed of becoming a culinary artist and found joy in cooking for others. At home, he was affectionately known as “The Cook King,” preparing breakfast with enthusiasm and openness, experimenting with flavors, and creating dishes and smoothies worthy to be shared. In this, he reflected the spirit of giving that God placed within him. Malachi embraced God’s creation with wonder. He loved riding bikes with friends, swimming at Vets Park, running track, collecting rocks, playing video games, and basketball throughout Middletown. He cherished time at the lake with his mother and found peace at Crystal Lake and Wadsworth State Park in Middlefield, Connecticut, where watching the waterfalls reminded him of God’s presence and serenity. Malachi also had a tender heart for cats—a true steward of God’s creatures. Known as a “cat whisperer,” he tried to heal, shelter, and protect every stray cat he encountered. At home, he would carry his beloved cat, Smokeydoke—also known as Pantha—over his shoulder and lovingly say, “Okay Mom, I’m going to bed,” a simple moment now treasured forever. Malachi leaves, to cherish his memory, his loving mother, Holli Holloway; his father, Thomas Christopher James; his siblings, Cheyann Alicia Smith, Christiana James, Tianna James Taylor and brother Thomas James; on his maternal side, his grandmother, Gloria Gilbert; aunts, Tewanda Gilbert, Aziza Solomon; uncle Fidel Solomon and God aunts Anne Marie Williams and Lael Marie Saez ; on his paternal side his grandmother, Annie James-Curry and her husband; aunt and godmother Ruby Brunson; aunts Joann Hill and Tesia Hill and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was joyfully reunited in heaven with his maternal grandfather, Joseph Holloway; and his paternal grandfather, Willie James and uncle Willie James Jr. Though our hearts are heavy, we trust God’s promise that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Malachi’s light will not fade—it was simply transferred prematurely from earth to eternity. His love remains, his spirit lives on, and his legacy will continue to shine through every life he touched. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” FAMILY APRECIATION from Holli Holloway Through the out pouring of support and care that I have received from my family, dear friends and the Middletown Community; I know Malachi is loved and I appreciate you. Special thanks: to my family and dear friends: Superintendent Dr. Alan Addley, Assistant Superintendent Jen Cannata, Mayor Gene Nocera & Mrs. Karen Nocera for your out pouring of love and support. Mother’s United Against Violence, Debra Davis, Reverend Brown, for your support on the behalf of the Hartford Community and standing in the gap for Malachi’s legacy for change in the city of Hartford. Detective Bradford and Hartford Police Department, Justin Vitols & My Middletown Home Depot family. Ms. Mckenna, school counselor for your encouragement and support during this time of bereavement. Principal Mertel, Mrs. Stephanie Zak and the Choir, Mrs. Amanda, and the wonderful teachers of Spencer Elementary School, Beaman Middle School and Middletown High School. Jedda Williams, Royael Saez, Clarice Gilbert, Ebony Peak, Akera Robotham, Nearin Blackwell, Tisha Belin, Colette Wilson and Middletown and Hartford Communities

Malachi James

June 9, 2011 - December 25, 2025