James Cohen Fletcher

March 19, 1950 - May 30, 2022

James Cohen Fletcher was outgoing and congenial; he never met a person he didn't like. His kind, gentle, and friendly manner immediately put those around him at ease. Flustered parents knew that they could put their screaming child into the arms of James “baby whisperer” Fletcher, and the child would immediately calm. With his 1000-watt smile and infectious laugh, it seemed like James knew everyone and everyone knew James.   James was born in Union, SC on March 19, 1950 to the late Ralph W. Fletcher and Nancy C. Fletcher. James was the second of three children. Brothers Ralph W. Fletcher, Jr and Wendell Fletcher preceded him in death. James made his transition on May 30, 2022 at St. Michael Hospital in Silverdale, WA. James accepted Christ at an early age at John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Detroit, MI. His most recent church affiliation was with Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Bremerton, WA.   Known as "Crick" growing up, James was educated in Detroit Public Schools. He attended Murray Wright High School where he lettered in football and tennis. He graduated from Murray Wright in 1968. James attended Oakland Community College and worked for Chrysler Motor Company before joining the U.S. Navy in January 1971.   "Fletch" (as he became known in the Navy) was qualified for submarine duty and spent most of his career on them. He also spent a few years on surface ships. His duty stations included Great Lakes, Ill; Rota, Spain; New London, Connecticut; Jacksonville, Florida; San Diego, California; Charleston, South Carolina; Holy Loch, Scotland; Coronado, California; and Bangor, WA. James retired from the Navy in February 1991. His love for learning led him to graduate Phi Theta Kappa and on the Dean's List from Olympic College in 1997 with an Associate's degree in Electronics.     James worked at Global Contractors on inactive ships for six years then in 1997 started working as an electrician at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, in Bremerton, WA. He retired from the shipyard in 2015.   James was united in holy matrimony to Victoria Cheryl Venable on April 15, 1978. James and Victoria were married for 44 years. From this union two children were born, Erin Nichole and Patrick James. In 2018, family and friends helped James and Victoria celebrate forty years of marriage with a vow renewal ceremony in the Dominican Republic.   You would often find James reading the bible or walking around his neighborhood. And watch out if you found yourself playing him a game of dominoes or bid whist. He would often slam the dominoes so hard, the table would shake! He was a living musical encyclopedia (especially when it came to jazz and old school R&B). He could recite the lyrics to and name the singer of any Motown song you could throw at him. It was impossible to stick to a diet when James made any of his specialties including BBQ ribs, grits, corn beef hash, fried chicken, apple cake and pineapple upside-down cake.   Of note were two long-term friendships with Alexander (Butch) Miller and Allan Belvin. James met Butch when they were both 4 years old, living in the same neighborhood in Detroit. They remained lifelong friends. In 1976 Belvin and James met at Electrical School at Naval Training Center Great Lakes, IL and they became fast friends and remained close throughout their lives.     James leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Victoria Cheryl Venable Fletcher, along with their children Erin Nichole Fletcher Slayton (Geramy) of Columbia, S.C. and Patrick James Fletcher of Warrensburg, MO; He is also sadly missed by his son, James Harvey Fletcher (Catherine) of Indianapolis, IN. James was the proud Papa to grandchildren Grant William Slayton, Brando Slayton, Jalen Fletcher, King Fletcher and Queen Fletcher.   James also leaves behind Sister-in-law, Rossalind Woodhouse, Brother-in-law, Allen Venable (Renee), Nieces - Nancy Goodwin, Farrah Fletcher, Renee Venable ll, Krystal Venable; Nephews - Ralph Fletcher III, Fred Fletcher, Wendell Fletcher, Allen Venable III, and a host of cousins, grand nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends. In remembrance of James Fletcher's life, the family asks that charitable donations be made to WithinReach (link below), a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting Washington families with the food, health, prenatal and child development resources they need to thrive. https://withinreachwa.org/donate At the request of the family, masks are REQUIRED for all attendees present at all times.