Jun 7, 1947 - Jul 8, 2024June 7, 1947 - July 8, 2024
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Savannah, Georgia
North Miami Beach, Florida
James was an advent sports enthusiast. He loved the game of football and spent over one-third of his life coaching. Thirty-nine plus years mentoring and coaching young athletes ranging from age 6 to age 15. James was well known as a youth football coach but also spent multiple years coaching youth baseball for the North Miami Beach Optimist Sun Devils. When not watching sports he was actively listening and engaging with family/friends. Being well-informed and knowledgeable on topics of local news, community activities, education and world events.
James was an excellent cook. He often cook Sunday meals as a way to complete the work week. Collard Greens with white Rice, Macaroni and Cheese, Barbeque Ribs, Sweet Potato Pie, (His mothers) potato salad with shrimp inside.
ISLEY BROTHERS (Song- Smooth Sailin) Earth, Wind and Fire The O'Jays Teddy Pendergrass John Legend (Song-Ordinary People) Luther Vandross The Gap Band The Commodores
James is survived by two wonderful sons, Reginald Drummond and Renaul Drummond. Two precious grandkids; Raymond Bradley Drummond and Lauren Nevaeh Drummond. James was also the father figure for many; Dwayne Miller, Antwan Lawson, Dwayne Miller Jr, Derrick Scudder, Miguel Rodriguez, Robert Cornett and all those who grew up under his leadership for thirty-nine years as a head football coach with the North Miami Beach Optimist. James was the oldest of three living siblings. Nancy Hickman of Little Rock, AR, Jennifer Williams of Tallahassee, FL, Loretta Thomas of Indianapolis, IN. Nieces; Nadra Hickman and Christina Williams. Nephews; Zachary Lee, Quinton Williams Jr. and Dakota Hicks. James received much support from neighbors and friends. To name a few; Harold Lewis (Personal friend 50+yrs), Coach Gilbert Norton (39 years), Sheretha Jimeno and the entire Broomfield Family. James attended Pratt Community College in (Kansas). He briefly attended Kansas University. While at Kansas he was teammates and cut-buddies with Hall of Fame running back John Riggins. James favorite number is #40. This number was chosen due to his idol Gayle Sayers. James is an army veteran and was stationed in Germany. James was amazed by the Audubon Road in Germany. James work history includes Greyhound Bus Lines and Florida Power and Light. James has certification to work as a mechanic and Electrical Engineer. After retirement he worked for a cabinetry company installing closets in homes/hotels on Miami Beach.
James loved his family and good conversation. In his spare time he enjoyed relaxing on the porch talking sports, life and social issues. His favorite topic was Dallas Cowboys Football. James was always cooking. On the holiday's he barbecued in his yard, all the neighbors came to eat. James was requested to cook for other occasion's because he created his own barbeque sauce. His favorite menu was barbeque-chicken/ribs, collard greens, rice, macaroni/cheese and potato-salad with shrimp (Beverage of your choice). Often engaging in thought-provoking conversations and lifetime of laughter (Loved his Music).
James favorite place is Allen Park Football field on a Saturday Night in the fall season.
ESPN Sportscenter 60 Minutes on Sunday's CNN during the week night The Jefferson's (Theme song "Moving on Up"
Football Basketball Baseball Boxing
James Drummond Jr., a beloved community member and dedicated sports enthusiast, passed away on July 8, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on June 7, 1947, in Savannah, Georgia, James resided in North Miami Beach, Florida.
James had a passion for coaching and spent over 39 years mentoring and guiding young athletes in football and baseball. Known for his dedication to the North Miami Beach Optimist Sun Devils, James made a lasting impact on the lives of countless players. Additionally, he was well-informed and engaged in various topics, including local news, community activities, education, and world events.
When he wasn't involved in sports, James enjoyed cooking. On the holidays he barbequed in his yard, many of the neighbors came to eat. James was requested to cook for other occasions because he created his own barbeque sauce. He had a talent for preparing delicious dishes such as collard greens with white rice, macaroni and cheese, barbeque ribs, sweet potato pie, and his mother's potato salad with shrimp.
Music was an important part of James's life, and he had a deep appreciation for artists such as the Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire, The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, John Legend, Luther Vandross, The Gap Band, and The Commodores.
James is survived by his two wonderful sons, Reginald Drummond and Renaul Drummond, as well as his precious grandchildren, Raymond Bradley Drummond and Lauren Nevaeh Drummond. He also served as a father figure to many individuals, including Dwayne Miller, Antwan Lawson, Dwayne Miller Jr., Derrick Scudder, Miguel Rodriguez, Robert Cornett, and all those who grew up under his leadership as a head football coach of North Miami Beach Optimist.
In addition, James is survived by his siblings, Nancy Hickman (William), Jennifer Williams (Quinton Sr.), and Loretta Thomas, along with nieces: Nadra Hickman, Christina Williams. Nephews: Dwayne Miller, Antwan Lawson, Zachary Lee James, Quinton Williams Jr, Dakota Hicks. He received immense support from his neighbors and friends, including Harold Lewis (50 plus yrs), Coach Gilbert Norton (39 years), Sheretha Jimeno, and the entire Broomfield Family.
James attended Pratt Community College in Kansas and briefly attended Kansas University, where he briefly played with Hall of Fame running back John Riggins. He served in the Military (Army) and was stationed in Germany, where he developed an admiration for the Audubon Road.
Throughout his life, James worked for Greyhound Bus Lines and Florida Power and Light. He held certifications as a mechanic and electrical engineer and continued working after retirement for a cabinetry company, installing closets in homes and hotels in Miami Beach.
Above all, James loved his family and cherished good conversation. He found joy in relaxing on the porch, discussing sports, life, social issues, and his favorite topic, Dallas Cowboys Football. James's favorite place in the world was Allen Park Football field on a Saturday night during the fall season.
In his free time, James enjoyed watching ESPN Sportscenter, 60 Minutes on Sundays, CNN during the weeknights, and The Jeffersons, with its iconic theme song "Moving on Up." His love for football, basketball, baseball, and boxing was undeniable.
James Drummond Jr. will be remembered for his passion, his culinary skills, his commitment to coaching, and his love for family and conversation. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, thought-provoking conversations, and a deep appreciation for music. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
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Savannah, Georgia
North Miami Beach, Florida