James Leroy Best, Jr.

Willingboro – James L. Best, Jr., of Willingboro, NJ, passed away suddenly on December 13, 2021 at the age of 40.

James was born in Perth Amboy, NJ to the late Beatrice and James L. Best, Sr., and raised in Cliffwood, NJ. He resided in Elizabeth, NJ and Newark, NJ prior to his current residence of over 11 years in Willingboro, NJ. He graduated from Old Bridge High School and studied computer science at Kean University. He worked as Asset Profit Protection (APP) Manager for Burberry Limited. James was a Christian who loved health, fitness and especially football. He loved to pass on his love and knowledge to others. He was the president and head coach of the GridIron Access (GA) Academy, a non-profit organization whose goal is to teach football to young people in the region in order to develop character, sportsmanship, self-confidence, responsibility and teamwork. He was a great role model and pillar in the community, and he will be sorely missed.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Leigh-Ann Stoddart-Best; their children Yazariah, Yosef and Raquel Best; and siblings Jimille (Jay) Best and Jamark (Georgrica) Best; aunts, Mary Louise Perry, Cecelia Owens-Henderson, Maggie Bridgewater, Melissa Henderson and Gladys Gumbs; Uncle Robert Lee Henderson; aunts, Cheryl (Steven) McGrew, Lydia (Carlton “Kite”) Best-Allen; uncles, Keith Payton, William Best and James F. Best, Jr .; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins ​​and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to visit him on Monday, December 20, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by a funeral service. Both will take place at the Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 11 Wilkins Station Rd, Medford, NJ 08055. Masks are required inside the church. Internment will follow at Sacré-Coeur Cemetery, 500 Marne Hwy, Hainesport, NJ 08048.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James can be made to GridIron Access (GA) Academy (CashApp $ GAAcademyFB) (Instagram @academy_gladiatorsfb) or The Boys & Girls Club of New Jersey.