James Lee Foreman

James Lee “Flea” Foreman affectionately known as “Coach Jimmy”, a cherished man, loving son, devoted husband, father and grandfather departed this earth on October 23, 2024. He was known for his kind, loving, caring, fun personality contagious laugh and his love for the game (basketball). Born on January 12, 1965 to Bernadette McLeod and Ernest Foreman, Jr. He was the source of their happiness. Jim attended Our Lady of Lourdes from Kindergarten through 8th grade. He graduated form Bishop Laughlin High School and furthered his education at Orange County Community College. On January 27th, 1986, Jim became a devoted doting father to his first born son, Brandon Lee “Buddha” Foreman. They shared a very special bond. Brandon was truly his protege. In the summer of 1986, he met the love of his life, his beloved wife, Debra Gaddy. They married in June of 1996 and a year later they were blessed with the sister that Brandon had asked for, Jaida Leilani Foreman. Jimmy enjoyed spoiling his family and often loaded them gup in the van for long family road trips. In 2011, he was blessed with his grandson, Jimmy Lee Foreman and 5 years later he was blessed with the addition of his granddaughter, Lia-Shalei Foreman. He was overjoyed to be a Grandpa. HIs Grandchildren became a beacon of light for him and the family. He showered his family with unconditional love. Jim was employed as an IT Assistant/Admin with Family Services Network in Brooklyn. He was committed, diligent and dependable He implemented many cost saving ways to help the business to run efficiently. Many may say that he also worked as a free-lanced DJ as he had a great love of music. At family barbeques, Jim would go to his car and suddenly the yard would be filled with music from “DJ Flea”! He purchased DJ equipment and would often be found releasing some stress outside in the backyard playing the “oldies but goodies.” “Can you Dig it!” Jimmy lived a life filled with a tremendous passion for the game of basketball. He loved to play, watch and talk all day about the game. He was well known in the community for his basketball skills on the court as a point guard. His short stature earned him the name “Flea” because he was small in stature but he was agile and quick! He enjoyed the great debate of who was the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) If you knew Jim, you know the answer is Michael Jordan. Jim's reputation and the game of basketball followed him through the years. In the 80’s in High School, he played alongside the future NBA player, Mark Jackson. He showcased his skills in the Aaron “Pops” Gates Memorial Invitational Games before a packed crowd in Bushwick, played throughout the city at venues such as “Soul in the Hole” and continued to play with the BRC over 40 league. He also would referee occasionally. Coach Jimmy was the co-founder of “First Come, First Served We Do It For the Kids free basketball clinic for boys and girls ages 5 through 15 which was an inspiration for the neighborhood children. Jim helped to coach a travel basketball team at St Bernard’s Catholic School in Marine Park, bringing his focus on basketball fundamentals and teamwork to lead his team to a high school travel championship — a proud accomplishment. Though too many to name, Jimmy deeply appreciated the many friends and mentors who influenced his journey, always holding them with high regard and gratitude. Preceding him in joining the Lord; James Lee McLeod (Grandfather), Ernest ”Spike” Foreman Jr. (Father), Vincent Coleman, Sr. (Stepfather), Tyreon W Cook (Cousin) beloved son, Brandon Lee Foreman and his four legged companion Dexter Foreman He is survived by his loving wife, Debra “Mz Debbi” Foreman, daughter, Jaida Leilani Foreman, grandson, Jimmy Lee Foreman, granddaughter, Lia-Shalei Leilani Foreman, mother, Bernadette McLeod-Coleman, Brothers, Wayne Foreman (Alfreida) and Samuel “Sha-Sha” Foreman, Special cousins Ret Lt Colonel Mario LaPaix (Ketlie), Cornelius Cook, Wyatt E Cook (Glynis) godson, Anthony “Tony” Cook, several goddaughters, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, mentees, family, extended family and friends.

James Lee Foreman

January 12, 1965 - October 23, 2024