James H. Dunbar

James Henry Dunbar was born in Augusta, Georgia on July 7, 1959, to Johnnie Cain and the late Ora Mae Robinson (Dunbar).  He was raised in a village of love in Augusta, GA by his grand uncle Frank and grand aunt Queenie Mae Johnson.  He was then later raised by his grand aunt Thelma White.

Being the oldest grandchild he was the first to graduate from Lucy Laney High School.  While there, he developed his athletic ability playing basketball with a competitive edge.  James possessed a quiet demeanor.  His aunt Mary Francis noted that he was smooth and moved throughout so effortlessly that one would not even know he was in the house.

Before leaving the South, he developed a love for fishing, and was employed at the Coca Cola factory.

 At the age of twenty one he moved to Philadelphia to begin a new chapter in his life.  This is when James became an Eagles fan.  He enjoyed watching the games and talking smack especially when they played the Cowboys.  He also loved playing chess and cards.  It was while playing cards and talking stuff that you learned that Fly had a voice.  While employed in Philadelphia James worked various jobs including construction, truck driving, and warehouse associate.  James was last employed at Sam’s Club until May 2018 when he became ill.

James loved his family and his children Ricardo, Jamesha and Nijah immensely.  He had a very loving heart, was firm and possessed a great sense of humor.

To family he was known as James, Bernard, or Pop Pop, but to his bowling family he was Dunbar or “FLY”.  Fly was an avid bowler competing on the local, regional and state levels.  He earned numerous awards and was known for bowling perfect games of 300’s.  He bowled in many leagues throughout the city.  Fly was a quiet coach.  He was very knowledgeable and always ready to teach someone.  James was a very private person, to be included in his inner circle was an honored position.  To see him smile or catch his laughter that was a treat.  Fly will be missed by his bowling family.

In August 2000, Fly met his final match the love of his life Roslyn at Adams Lane Bowling Alley. They enjoyed many years together bowling and going to Rochester, NY to compete in tournaments.  They were united in holy matrimony on March 12, 2012, with the theme song “A Ribbon in the Sky.” He transitioned from this life on October 31, 2021.

“James I know that you will always be looking down on me.  I will always hold on to the end of that ribbon until we meet again.  “I will always Love You.”  Roslyn.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ora Mae Dunbar, sisters Donna and Bessie Mae.

James leaves loving memories to: his father Johnnie (Karen) Cain, loving wife, Roslyn Dunbar, children Ricardo, Jamesha, Nijah (Brian) Lewis, Rhonda (Matthew) Thomas, and Marcus.  His grandchildren, David, Makayla, Nyair, Ian, Khyree, Shaniya, Tamiya and Matthew.  Six brothers, Melvin, Charles, Johnnie Jr, Tony, Trolly and Tommy.  Five sisters, Linda, Lisa, Carol, Sandra, Pamela and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Submitted With Love,

The Family

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