Dr. Willie James Wimberly

Dr. Willie James Wimberly, known as “James,” by family and friends and “G-Pop” by his grand and great grandchildren, answered the call of his Heavenly Father on April 16, 2023, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. James, the second oldest of 11 children, was born February 7, 1938, in Pompano Beach Florida, to the late John H. Wimberly Sr. and the late Clara Wimberly. He spent most of his early childhood years in this area with his migrant farming family. James accepted Christ as His Lord and Savior at an incredibly early age. His fearless life depicted his Faith and Trust in God; knowing deep within who he was and whose he was. James began his early education at Coleman Elementary School. He struggled academically from grades 1 through 5. However, his fifth- grade teacher encouraged and supported him, and he moved from a D student to an A student. James encountered various gaps in school attendance due to medical and vision problems. After two years of treatments and hospitalizations, he lost his sight and was totally blind by the age of thirteen. James’ greatest fear was that he would not receive an education, and he did not want to be a burden on his family or society. Educational opportunities for an African American blind individual were extremely limited during this time, however, he was given the opportunity to attend the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St Augustine Florida for eight years graduating in 1959 Magnum Cum Lauda at age twenty-one. Still, James was confronted with a major crisis before graduating from high school. A state law required all blind graduates to remain out of school for a year before going to college. James’ determined spirit drove him to obtain the assistance of his counselor and a family friend, and he received a wavier thus allowing him to enroll in Florida A & M University (FAMU), without delay, to pursue his educational career. James received his bachelor’s degree, with Honors, in Psychology from FAMU in 1962. At FAMU, he became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc Beta Nu Chapter (1961); the Honor Society Alpha Kappa Mu; and the National Honor Society of Kappa Delta Psi. In addition, James was one of the first individuals to be inducted into the Department of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame at FAMU as a distinguished alumnus. James continued his quest for education and received a master’s degree in general psychology from Tennessee State University in 1964. James’s pursuit of knowledge continued with his enrollment into the General Psychology department of the University of Minnesota with the goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist. His passion for advancing his education pushed him to take the leap of faith and move to New York City. There he sought employment and married his college sweetheart, Evelyn Wright, a Georgia Peach from Savannah, Ga. James settled into family life and had two beautiful daughters. His employment journey began at Big Brothers of America in New York City as a Psychiatric Social Worker. Concurrently, James became an Adjunct Professor teaching at Malcom-King College. A few years later, he began working for Hunter College City University of New York (CUNY). He initially worked as Counselor, but quickly advanced to Supervisor, moving onto Assistant Director and Director of Counseling, finally serving as Acting Director of the SEEK Program (Search for Education Elevation and Knowledge) for six years where he retired after forty years of service. In 1971, James began to diligently work on his dream goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist. He was the first blind African American male to be accepted into the Clinical Psychology Program at Columbia University. James attended his Clinical Intern at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas 1973 to 1974, and upon completion he earned a second master’s degree and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology becoming a Licensed Clinical Psychologist for the State of New York. James was very passionate about working to further the needs and access to education and resources through his advocacy for minority and disabled students in the New York City University educational systems. He was instrumental in achieving resources through working as co-chair on a Statewide task force known as the 504 Committee along with other colleagues making recommendations to allow easier access to facilities. This ultimately led to the placement of braille on buildings, near elevators, stairs, and classrooms. In addition, the task force accomplishment of granting access to the New York City Transportation bus system to add hydraulics to enable the kneeling of buses for the disabled, which now is a national program. James’ innate nature of independence, strength, determination, and perseverance was prevalent in his personal life and throughout his entire academic career which afforded him the opportunity to achieve many accolades of honors and distinguished recognitions including, but not limited to, lifetime honorary member of Delta Epsilon Beta, founding honorary member of Chi Alpha Epsilon Honors Society, and induction into Who’s Who of American Teachers (1964). James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Evelyn Wimberly, his daughters Penelope Wimberly Davis (Curtis), Helena White (Shawn), and Thajuana Giles-Smith. Grandchildren Timothy Wimberly Sr, Janee Patterson, Nia Wimberly, Anaya Collins, Ty Davis, Salendria Giles-Walker (Tony), Zandrana Giles, and Tearson Giles. Eight great grands Timaiya, Jamari, Timerah, Kimora, Timothy Jr, Kiyanla, Leona, and Averi. Two brothers John Wimberly Jr (Shirley), Clifford Wimberly Sr (Zadie), three sisters Jean Esther Heath (Jimmie), Larita Jones (Willie), Robin Wimberly- Thompson, sister-in-law Paula Wimberly, and a host a of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. James’ family members that preceded him in death were his mother and father John Henry Wimberly Sr and Clara Mae Wimberly, brothers Robert and Floyd, and sisters Ruby, Geraldine, and Annie Ruth.

Dr. Willie James Wimberly

February 7, 1938 - April 16, 2023