James Albert Spruill Jr.

February 8, 1943 - August 13, 2021

Our beloved, James Albert Spruill, Jr. peacefully transitioned from his earthly home to heavenly rest on August 13, 2021 at Kent General Hospital in the city of Dover, Delaware. He was born to the late James Albert Spruill and Beulah Smith Spruill on February 8, 1943 in Halifax County, North Carolina. James was united in matrimony to the late Barbara Ray Camp and to this union two sons were born. James attended Halifax County Public schools and was a graduate of Brawley High School Class of 1963 in the town of Scotland Neck, NC. After high school, he relocated to New York. In 1965, James joined the US Army, ranked as sergeant, and proudly served his country, in combat, during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge in May 1968. James was a driven leader and avid learner with an unmatched work ethic. In 1982, he graduated from Middlesex County Community College in Edison, NJ and in 1991 he completed Reignbow Beauty Academy where he received his NJ State Cosmetology License. James was employed by the US Postal Service serving 35 years until retirement. As the only brother to his sisters, James found brotherhood within the fraternity of brothers. He was Past Master of Progressive Lodge No. 17 F&AM, Right Worshipper Assistance Grand Pursuivant of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of NJ and Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council Ancient Scottish Rite Masons. In concert, James was an active member of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E of W) where he held the positions of Past Exalted Ruler of Superior Lodge of New Brunswick, Past District Deputy Grand Exalter Ruler, Past State President of NJ Association of Elks, Past Chief Antler Per Council No. 20, Past Director of Beauty and Talent Department, and a Member of NJ Brigade Antler Guard. James was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in the city of New Brunswick, NJ where he served within the Senior Usher’s Ministry. He was a dedicated and long-established church member who served with pride and was recognized as a pillar of his community. Based on these attributes, James was a recipient of several awards to include: Outstanding Leadership of Volunteer Service to Fellow Citizens, Man of the Year presented by NJ State Association I.B.P.O.E. of W, MLK Jr. National Achievement Award, NJ State Vietnam 25th Anniversary Commemorative Award and numerous other awards and recognitions. James leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted partner, Cissy Lamond; two sons, James Albert Spruill, III of Mt. Vernon, NY and Reginald Lamont Spruill (Cara) of East Brunswick, NJ. Four sisters, Hattie Stroman (Jesse) Magnolia, DE, Bessie Mims, Baltimore, MD, Jannie Berry, Ambler, PA, and Daisy Spruill, Elkins Park, PA; four grandchildren and a host of extended loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The love and warmth of James will always bridge longstanding memories that will never be forgotten.