JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The city of Jamestown is mourning one of its own Monday, following the death of Councilwoman Vickye James.

What You Need To Know

  • Jamestown City Councilwoman Vickye James died unexpectedly Saturday night at 62
  • James also served on the Chautauqua County legislature
  • She was involved in many youth-oriented community projects
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"It just was unreal to know that she passed so quick, and so suddenly," said China Kinney, James' niece.

China Kinney and her family are mourning the loss of her aunt Vickye James, who died suddenly Saturday night, March 27, at the age of 62.

The family is also still mourning the loss of James' mother — China's grandmother — earlier this month.

"We're holding together as a family. We're coming in strong," said Kinney.

James was wrapping up her third term as a member of Jamestown's City Council, with plans on running for a fourth this year.

"An absolute legend. A phenomenal woman. She is an icon. You can almost call her a superhero to the city," said Kinney.

From 2006 to 2013, James also represented Jamestown on the Chautauqua County Legislature, taking over the seat of her mentor, the late Lula Taylor, after she retired. Taylor also died March 27, three years ago.

James talked to us last June and mentioned how Taylor helped her campaign.

"She went door to door with me. So she was just an amazing woman just to see how she interacted with the people," said James back in 2020.

James led and left her own mark on a number of youth-based community projects, like the playground at Jackson-Taylor Park in the city, a park she helped rename, Juneteenth celebrations, and Martin Luther King Jr. events.

"She worked too hard to build something from scratch. We're reaching out to the community to also keep these projects going. And not let any of her legacy die," said Kinney.

"I was stunned and devastated. I lost more than a professional and political associate. I lost a friend, and somebody over the years that became like another sister to me," said Sam Teresi, former Jamestown mayor.

Teresi first worked with James back in the early ‘90s, when he served as development director.

Once elected mayor, Teresi appointed her to serve in his cabinet as director of youth services, where she never let him forget his inaugural promise to incorporate the kid test.

"What is this going to do for the kids of the city? She conducted every day of her life by those words. ‘Is this going to be good for kids?’ And then would make her determination on where she stood on something," said Teresi.

Teresi says the best way to remember James or anyone is to carry on the work important to them.

"Things that they spent their lives doing in a positive way helping out people when they were here. That's the best way to honor Vickye, is to be like Vickye when she was here," said Teresi.

Kinney says the family would like to see a community center named in James' memory. 

"It's something that this city has needed for a long time before her. With the way that life is right now, kids need that. They need that community center," said Kinney.

A walk-through visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 6 in the Lind Funeral Home. Masks are required and social distancing must be observed.

A private family service will be held and may be viewed via livestream starting at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 7.

Memorials may be made to the Vickye James Fund, c/o Lake Shore Savings Bank.

You may also leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.