James D Gooding

James D. Gooding of Boston passed away peacefully at the Marion Manor on Monday, May 30, 2022 at the age of 80. Affectionately known as Pop, James was born and raised in Kinston, NC to the late Willie Mae Aldridge and John Westley Gooding. As a young boy, Pop cropped tobacco in the south for 25 cents an hour and gave his entire earnings to his parents to support the family. In 1964, Pop made his way to Boston and began a life-long relationship with his longtime companion, Phyllis Martin whose bond would last more than 55 years. While together they raised a beautiful family of five children and cared for many grandchildren, great grandchildren and countless other relatives and all were welcomed in Pop and Grandma’s home. James Gooding worked for California Paints as a technician providing the tint for all the various colors. He would spend his entire career at California Paints serving for almost 50 years. Pop was also a die hard sports fan. He loved the Celtics and the Redsox. He enjoyed going to church every Sunday, gave everyone a ride, loved the grocery store, good food and loved to play the lottery; win or lose. Preceded in death by his sister Arlene Gooding of North Carolina and his grandson James Martin, Jr. of Boston, Pop leaves to mourn his passing, his brother John Henry Gooding and his wife Helen, and sisters Harriett Roberts and Fleta Mae Witherspoon all of North Carolina and to celebrate his life: his longtime companion Phyllis Martin of Boston, his children, James Martin,Sr. and wife Andrea of Brockton, Phyllis “Bunny” Martin of Boston, Willie Martin, Jr., of New Bedford, Mark Martin of Boston, and Tracy Hines and husband Michael of North Carolina along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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