James Johnson Packer

James Johnson Packer, 77, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022 at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D. C. He was the beloved father of Nyja P. DeFrank and Monique Packer. He is survived by his two daughters; grandson Benito DeFrank and son-in-law Socrates DeFrank Jr.; former wife Irene Packer of Frederick, MD; sister Delores Peoples, nephews, niece Henry, Jeff and Deionne Ivery; and his cousins Talib Din Abdul Haqq, Erin Brooks Sr., Kevin Brooks, Jacqueline Abdur-Razzaq, and their children of Atlantic City, NJ; as well as cousins Erikka Bow, Robert Bow, Sr and Jr., Debra Parker, Dawn Lewis, and their families of D.C., Maryland, and Texas. James was preceded in death by his mother Willnetta Allen Brooks of Atlantic City, NJ; foster parents and family Lillian and Henry Packer of Philadelphia, PA, Cynthia Henderson and Demetrius Coleman, Aunt Othelia Johnson of D.C.; and Aunt Hester and Uncle John Henderson of Piscataway, MD, and sisters Caroline Bow and Barbara Parker of D.C.

Born on September 4, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA, James was raised and educated in D.C. He was an active member of Tabor Presbyterian Church Choir often performing solos with his angelic voice during holidays and on special occasions. His love of church and choral music endured all his life. James unselfishly touched the lives of many with his deep sense of service and good sense of humor as a Guidance Counselor in Roosevelt High School in D.C.; Ride-On Bus Driver in Montgomery County; owner of Blue Moon Pizza in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood; Usher at the Kennedy Center and Newspaper Delivery Coordinator at The Washington Post, all in D.C. He continued working part-time at The Washington Post after retirement and loved serving the seniors in his apartment building by delivering warm meals daily to those who were immobile. James served in the United States Army as a 1st Private in 1977 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, receiving an Honorable Discharge.

A very proud father who always put his children and grandson first, James devoted much time to encouraging and mentoring them through extensive travel. The love he showered on his children was unending. Family driving trips to diverse communities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and motorcycling in Bermuda created a solid foundation for love of learning and strong life skills. His sacred connection to animals was another example of the core values of kindness and love he shared with his family. He enjoyed his cats Putney Mama, Putney Baby, Petey and Puss, his two rescue Great Danes Tribune and Erika of Written in the Winds Kennel, their 12 puppies including the one-eyed Great Dane puppy Cyclops who with James found his forever home.

James was loved by all who had the opportunity to know him. He will be greatly missed by his family as well as by extended family, numerous neighbors, community members and friends.

On-line condolences may be shared with the family at the Taylor Funeral Home website: https://my.gather.app/remember/james-packer-2022. Burial services will be held for family and friends on February 8, 2022 at 12pm at the Fairview Cemetery located at 680 East Church Street, Frederick, MD. Flowers can be sent to the cemetery before 11am the day off the service. Masks are required for pandemic safety.