Savoy “Lance” Alventa James

January 30, 1947 – January 3, 2021

Savoy “Lance” Alventa James, 73, of Vaughnsfield St. James JA, passed away, Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Trillium Health Partners Mississauga Hospital, surrounded by his wife and two daughters.

Lance graduated from Montego Bay Technical School (now known as St. James High School), and thereafter apprenticed with an architectural firm in Montego Bay before becoming an architect. Lance moved to Canada in 1970 and on December 4, 1971, he married his wife Patricia Jennifer (Thomas) James.

Lance was a loving husband and father.  He was always involved in the activities of his daughters and could always be counted on to be their biggest supporters.  His infectious smile and bright eyes could always brighten anyone’s day.  And he had a joke to lighten any situation. He was outgoing, athletic, and admired by many due to his charismatic personality. He loved playing soccer, watching all sports, and just helping others in any way that he could.

 

Lance battled with ALS for over 13 years, but with he help of his loving wife, gracious nurses, and family support he was able to comfortably remain in his home until the final two months, before he passed, when multiple complications caused him to be hospitalized.

Lance is survived by his wife Patricia James and his two daughters, Jonelle James, Kerrie James-Hunter and her husband Michael Hunter Jr., his sisters; Sonia (Penelope) Stephens, Patricia (Junie) Murray, Eudith Morris, Darnell Sheppy, Velma (Madge) Gallimore, and his brothers; Derick (Alsin) James, and Josbert (Leon) James.

Additionally, he leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Edna James, his sister Nerberlyn (Clair) James-Jones and brothers, Kingsley James and Clevrando (Joe) James.

Flowers were enjoyed by Lance while he was physically on earth, so in lieu of flowers, monetary contributions towards his funeral can be made by emailing Jonelle James ([email protected])

A celebration of life service will be streamed online here on Saturday January 16th, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:00pm. Following the service burial will take place at Glen Oaks Cemetery in Oakville.

15 replies
  1. Paolo Pivetta
    Paolo Pivetta says:

    I was privileged and honored to have worked alongside Lance at Global Architect. His patience, kindness and joy for his family knew no bounds. He was the best. My condolences to the James family. Rest in peace my friend, Paolo

    Reply
  2. Patricia Murray
    Patricia Murray says:

    Dearest Patricia J., I am deeply saddened by the loss of my brother Savoy James (Lance) and the pain that you, Jonelle, Kerrie, the rest of your family are experiencing as well as ours. I am so grateful for the years that God has given to Lance and allowed him to touch and to have had such a great impact on the lives of others. I offer you my thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this “dark” time in your life. Pat, thanks for being such a beloved, patient, faithful, kind and understanding sister-in-law that has touched the lives of my brothers and sisters in such an unforgettable way. Special thanks to Shirley, Robert and your other family members who stood by your side when we could not be there with you. Your labor will not be in vain. Be comforted that when tomorrow “starts” Lance will still be in our hearts. Pat, thank you for all that you have done. May God’s richest blessing overshadow you from day to day.

    Love.
    Patricia Murray

    Reply
  3. Sonia Stephens
    Sonia Stephens says:

    As a sister I am pleased to see how many lives my brother touched and that he was a selfless human being. The passing of a loved one is not easy to accept, no matter what the circumstances may be, but we must be reminded that all our days are numbered. We loved Lance but God loves him more. I am grateful for the time we had him here on earth and look to a time of rejoicing in Heaven. So sleep on my brother, take your rest.
    Pat, J, Kerrie, Robert, Junie, Miss Pearl and the young ones -thanks is not enough but I will say it anyway. Thank you. You have been there all the time when we were far away. Pat, I pray for your continued strength, it will be worth it all. Grief is normal but let us be comforted as we look forward to meeting him again, some day.
    Shirley, I must mention you. Thank you so much for serving Lance.

    Reply
  4. Danny Carreiro
    Danny Carreiro says:

    I had the pleasure of working with Lance at Arsenault Architect. What I remember the most was his sense of humor and his patience. He was instrumental to my architectural teaching and experience. He was a great man who was always happy and extremely proud of his family. I will miss you Lance. My condolences to the James family.

    Reply
  5. Dionne James-Harding
    Dionne James-Harding says:

    Auntie Pat, Jonelle and Kerrie. I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Lance was a wonderful and caring person and I am happy to have known him. May you find comfort and strength in each other, and your memories of Uncle Lance.

    Love,
    Dionne

    Reply
  6. Erica Henderson
    Erica Henderson says:

    The Henderson family send their Love, May God in his wisdom gives you Peace and comfort that passes understanding! God’s promises are true. He will never leave you nor forsake as you mourn and days to come! Love you JJ and family.

    Reply
  7. Yvonne (Precious)
    Yvonne (Precious) says:

    Lance was a ‘real’ person . He was down to earth compassionate , loving and kind person.
    He was a true family man to my sister and their two daughters.
    I have many fond memories of him , his laughter I can hear it even now.
    My dearest brother in law I will truly miss you.

    To my sister and nieces may Jehovah the God of all çomfort , comfort you all in this trial some time.

    Reply
  8. Abigail Davis
    Abigail Davis says:

    We wish you the comfort and peace from God during this difficult time
    Sincerest condolences to the James Family coming from Hugh, Dor and Abi

    Reply
  9. Yvonne ( Precious)
    Yvonne ( Precious) says:

    Lance was a ‘real person’ down to earth , a compassionate , loving and hard working person. A true family man to my sister and their two daughters.
    I remember him in so many wonderful ways , he shared his life with us. I will miss him my dearest brother in law.

    To my sister and nieces may Jehovah grant you comfort and peace in this painful time.

    Reply
  10. Susan Anstey
    Susan Anstey says:

    Thinking of you all, wishing could do more. Sending heartfelt sympathy and hugs to you Pat, your girls, and the rest of your family. Rest in peace Lance.

    Reply
  11. Joanne Ying
    Joanne Ying says:

    I was lucky enough to work with Lance at Arsenault Architect Inc. and got a chance to see what a great man he was. I will miss him dearly and wanted to extend my sympathies to you and the family.

    Reply
  12. Anna Quattrocchi
    Anna Quattrocchi says:

    May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.

    All my love Anna, Mateo, and Anthony

    Reply

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