P C I C James H. Black Jr. 32, Bison #29

Mr. James “Jocko” Black Jr. was born in Akron, Ohio on February 28, 1925.  He is the eldest son of the late James H. Black Sr. and Margaret.  He is also the grandson of the late Rev. Dr. James L. Black, pastor of Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion of Akron.

At the age of 12, James formed a street corner jug band quartet and passed the had for added income during the shining years of depression.  It gained national attention in 1938 at the National Annual Soap Box Derby held in Akron.  The quartet was host to the winner of various cities throughout the U.S.A.

After graduation from high school, Mr. Black joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Central Pacific Islands for two years (1943-1945.  Most importantly, he was among one of the earliest of Akron’s African American Marine, along with fellow enlistees Harvey Richardson, Donald Jackson, and William Mobley to join during World War II.

Because the armed forces were segregated at this time, African American Marines were barred from training at traditional Marine Corp boot camps like Parris Island, NC or San Diego, CA.  James Black received his boot camp training at Camp LeJeune, New River, NC at Montford Point, as part of the 131st Platoon.  Montford Point, near Camp LeJeune, was known to be inhabited by wild life that was dangerous to human beings.  The African American Marines had to live in insufficient huts instead of barracks.  It should be noted that 20,000 African American Marines received their training at Camp Montford from 1942-1949.

After completion of boot camp, James was assigned to the 12th Marine Depot Company, which was attached to the 7th Separate Infantry 5th Amphibious fleet Marine Force (Task force 58). His unit shipped out from Norfolk, VA to Panama and the Central Pacific area.  Mr. Black served two years in the 5th Fleet Task Force and was honorably discharged in 1945 at Philadelphia Shipyard Naval Base.

Mr. Black returned to Akron and married Sarah and sired two children, Wesley and Karen. By 1949 he had joined the Masonic Phoenix Lodge #112 and was initiated and entered apprentice. He also found time to satisfy his music interest by forming a jazz combo to play at various night spots and clubs on week-ends. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service during this time and also became one of the founders of the first Black News Weekly, The Akron Informer, a forerunner of the Ohio Informer.

In 1950, he relocated to Cleveland, Ohio and pursued a culinary and dining room service career, which led to a position as Banquet Manager at the University Club of Cleveland, Ohio.

James Black moved to Buffalo, New York in the early 1960’s. He was chosen Maitre’d at the Cavalier Lodge and Dining Room in Hamburg, New York.  He was also Advertising Manager of the Empire Star Weekly News, a forerunner of the Buffalo Challenger.  Always busy, Mr. Black found time to form his own business as a caterer and clam stand operator.  This enterprise led to operating the Sea Horse Inn, now defunct.

James Black embraced Masonry again in the 1970’s.  He was raised in St. John’s lodge #16, worked all the chairs and became master and served 2 years.  The same applied for the consistory and its Co-ordinated bodies and served as Commander-in-Chief for two years. Other positions include and Chartered Member of Emmanuel Commandry #21 Knights Templar serving one year as its Eminent commander, past Honorary Potentate of Hadji Temple #61, Youth Supervision and Past High Priest & Prophet.  He currently is a member of Royal Arch Masons Companion Chapter #21 and Operator of News Outlet office here in Buffalo, NY.  He was elevated to the 33rd Degree Prince Hall Free Accepted Masonry in 1998. Over the Past fifty-two years, Mr. Black has commuted between Akron, Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, New York.  He is now retire as operator of Buffalo News Outlet Center on Jefferson Ave.

He’s preceded in death by parents James Black, Sr. and Margaret Black.

He leaves to cherish his memory; son Wesley Black, daughter Karen Johnson; adopted daughter Jucklina Ellis; grandchildren Wesley (Lavina) Black Jr., LaTeesha (Terrence) Black-Roscoe, Robert Johnson Sr. and Kurrissa Johnson, a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; great-aunt, Olive Cobb of Pittsburgh, PA.