Antonio G. James

Antonio “Tony” James was born on July 21, 1952 in Panama City, Panama; youngest of three boys to Constance and Alberto James Sr. The family moved to the United States when Tony was ten years old. He loved his new country and dedicated his life to serving his country and caring for others. 

Tony graduated from Automotive High School Queens, New York. After high school he served in the Army’s 101st airborne division from September 11, 1972 until September 4, 1974. 

Upon returning home from Germany, he worked at UPS and married Ellen Henry in July 1976, while waiting to start his dream job of becoming a New York City Firefighter in September of 1977. Tony welcomed his first son Antonio “AJ” in 1981 and eight years later welcomed second son Jason. 

In 2021, Tony became a doting grandfather to Granddaughter Quinn, who he adored immensely. 

Tony loved his job as a firefighter and always said “I would have done it for free if they let me”. After retiring, he moved to Florida where he built a home big enough for his mother and father where he hosted many family get togethers. 

Tony married his wife, Susan, in February of 2015. They enjoyed their years together to their fullest, traveling the world and making wonderful friends and memories along the way. Exercise and physical activity were also a constant in Tony’s life. He played racquetball several times a week, loved to ride his bicycle, spent many hours on his motorcycle and enjoyed a game of golf and a good cigar. Anyone who knew Tony, also has a memory of Tony on the dance floor. He was the first up and the last to sit down and was always impressive with his dancing moves. 

As much as he loved travel and exercise, Tony’s real passion was his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Susan Reining Gould, his two sons; Antonio (AJ) James (wife, Roxanne) and Jason James, his precious granddaughter Quinn, his brother Alberto (Bert) James and his wife Saundra, his nieces CaSaundra James, Shimicka Jupiter (wife Rashida) and Tangerine Turkson (husband Francis), and his favorite mother-in-law Ethel Henry. 

Susan’s family also became Tony’s family. He will be greatly missed by his step-son Liam Gould, his step-daughter’s Caryn (Gould) Donovan, her husband Brian and their girls Brooke and Cara. Allision (Gould) Jones, her husband Stephen, and their daughter Isla. His sister-in-law Cassandra Knash (husband Steve) and his brother-in-law Richard Doney (wife Eleanor).

Tony also had many aunts, uncles and cousins, too many to mention, but he loved them all. 

Tony is preceded in death by his parents Constance (Smart) James and Alberto James Sr, his brother Reinaldo James, and his brother in law William (Buddy) Henry. 

Aside from all that Tony “did”, we are more grateful for who Tony “was”. Tony was the light in the room. His smile, his caring nature, his “glass is always half full” perspective was infectious. He loved big. Everyone got the benefit of the doubt, everyone got a kind word or a helping hand. As Liam once said “If only the world had more Tonys, things wouldn’t be like they are today.” 

While Tony was a bright shining light for all who knew him, it is important to address the facts. On November 4, 2024 Tony took his own life. While we knew he was having health issues, we didn’t realize the impact of those issues on his mental health. We are choosing to move forward through our grief by allowing Tony the opportunity to help others as he always did. We ask this favor, as you age and as your way of life and habits are required to change due to that aging, be sure to check in with yourself, and if you are not ok, say something to someone. 

We kindly ask that you honor Tony’s memory by donating to www.vibrant.org. Susan will have a Facebook Fundraiser on her Facebook Page “Sue Reining Gould” or you can mail your donation to or make checks payable to:

 Vibrant Emotional Health Mailing Address: 

Vibrant Emotional Health c/o Development Office : 80 Pine Street, Floor 19 New York, NY 10005