Funeral for Aces member Tuesday

Two and a half months after his passing, James Samuels, a member of The Aces, which was the ska group best known for their work with Desmond Dekker, will finally be laid to rest on April 12.

Samuels, affectionately called ‘Winston’, passed away at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital on January 29 after he contracted COVID-19.

“I feel relieved that my brother will be buried soon. It is just a little painful to know that is me alone leave; four brothers me have, and all of them leave me. This was not only unexpected, but sudden, especially since he died the same month we buried another brother,” Edward Bradshaw told The Gleaner.

In following his dreams of becoming a world-class singer and performer, Samuels moved to the Allman Town community in Kingston as a teenager. He later met Easton Howard, with whom he shared similar passions and interests in ska and rocksteady.

Howard, more popularly known as ‘Barry Aces’, was of significant support for Samuels when he was alive, oftentimes sharing a portion of his monthly pension with him. He launched a GoFundMe account to assist with the burial costs on February 11.

Bradshaw disclosed that the funeral arrangements were possible since reaching the goal of £395 (J$79,415.18) with the help of 21 donors via the crowdfunding platform. There was even a little “brawta”, as GoFundMe shows that that account raised £435 (J$87,457.23).

Though still processing emotions resulting from his brother’s death, he said that he was “good and grateful” for all who donated, and that he was not sure how he would have done it on his own.

“All the money was used for the funeral, as well as we get to buy materials needed for the grave digging, buy all a goat, and I’m doing what I can to try gather everything. I’m keeping a little something on Monday night, too; no live band will play, but a sound will set up and play, and some cow skin soup will be there,” he said.

Barry Aces posted a message after the GoFundMe account was created, revealing that the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport was also providing assistance, and that the money would have been given to the family within 24 hours.

“Thank you all for your kind and generous donations to support James’ family. We have now closed the funding at £395 as the Jamaican Ministry of Culture has been in touch since we started the campaign and contributed the outstanding amount needed for James’ family to give him the burial they desired,” the musician explained.

“Best wishes and thanks again; you have made a difference,” the post continued.

The funeral is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Knibbs Street in Gibraltar, St Ann, where the musicianwas raised. Pastor Desmond Clarke will lead the ceremony.

Samuels would have been celebrated his 79th birthday on September 1 this year.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com