James C. Floyd Jr.

A Love Story James Cranston Floyd Jr. (Cranny) was loved and desired by his parents long before his arrival into the world on September 30, 1949, in Chester Pa. He was the only child born to James C. Floyd Sr. (Sonny) and Odessa Floyd who absolutely adored him. So loved by his parents he became their primary focus ensuring he had a privileged existence. The love he received from his parents was the love that he gave to his entire family. Though he was an only child, he was blessed to have had several cousins within his age group in which he was considered a big brother by some and a little brother by the others. He was born into a loving family of faith, and as a young man was a member of St. Luke Christian Community Church along with his immediate and extended family where he would later celebrate the marriage to the love of his life Janice. Cranny was educated in the Chester Upland School District and graduated in 1967. While attending Chester High School, like his famed athletic father and uncles before him the “Floyd Boys” (Edward Floyd & William Floyd), he played on the Junior Varsity Basketball team. In addition to playing basketball at the Chester Boys Club under the mentorship of George Carter. Keeping with his commitment to community and his passion for children, Cranny worked at the Boys Club every summer mentoring and shaping the minds of the future. Upon his graduation because of his love for children, he enrolled in Cheney University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Special Education (BSEd). In October of 1970, Cranny took on the role of a lifetime as he was named Godfather Stefanie. He waited patiently for her to come home from the hospital and was there waiting for her when she was released. He held her, loved on her and visited her every day. When time didn’t allow for a visit, he would call to check on his, little god baby as he so affectionately called her. It was a role he took seriously and never wavered long after she reached the age of maturity. He made her the very center of his universe. After his graduation from Cheney University, Cranny embarked upon a passionate, storied, and diverse career. He was employed by the School District of Philadelphia teaching at Elverson Middle School. He was also employed by the Chester Upland School District, Kimberly Clark (formerly Scott Paper Company) and ended his career at Elwyn, returning to his passion to those with intellectual disabilities. In August of 2007 at his cousin Carlton’s 50th birthday celebration, Cranny was introduced to the Love of his Life, Janice. After courting for 4 years, they made it official on September 3, 2011, at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, with their family and friends loving looking on as they happily endorsed this union. Two Friends, Two Hearts, One Promise and one Love. With his massive heart of Gold, Cranny immersed himself into his new family as he took on addition roles such husband, brother-in-law, stepfather, uncle, and grandfather. In the blink of an eye, these families became one loving unit. He enjoyed trips, traveling and family reunions with new family. Cranny was a jovial human being who was kind, cheerful, warm, loving, friendly and generous. He’s not been seen without a smile on his face, nor has he ever had a cross word to say about anyone. His laughter was infectious and his love was contagious. To know him was to love him and to be loved by him. This is a man who undoubtedly loved his family with every fiber of his being, especially his cousins, who were like siblings. As his health began to decline, his spirits were high and he still had a reason to smile laugh and sing. Without warning he would often belt out from the pit of his belly “Love my Wife” & “Love my God baby” as the two who loved him the most, Janice & Stefanie embarked upon an arduous medical journey that ended on February 8, 2026. He fought the good fight exuding courage and grace with his loving and devoted wife who was by his side as he peacefully transitioned and ascended to the arms of his Heavenly Father. He is survived by his adoring wife Mrs. Janice Floyd, God daughter Stefanie Y. Thompson MBA, Stepson Malcolm Lockley, grandchildren; Ginea Lockley Pagan and great granddaughters, Gionna Pagen. Zyaire Lockley, Marleigh. Mark Thompson and Sierra Walker his grand god children. Sister-n- laws: Sheryl Johnson, Cynthia McNeil, Ruteena Blake, Brenda Sharpe and Glenda McIntyre. Brothers-n-Laws, Theron McNeil, and Laverne McNeil (Abdul Muhammad) who predeceased him. Grandchildren: Ginea Lockley Pagan, and Zyaire Lockley and great granddaughters: Gionna Pagan and Marley Bates. And Aunt Rebecca McNeil Pender, Uncles Herman McNeil and Joseph McNeil. Additionally, a host of Floyd, McNeil, Thompson & Gordy Cousins.

James C. Floyd Jr.

September 29, 1949 - February 8, 2026