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Vigil For Late Councilwoman To Be Held At Park

Pictured are members of Victoria “Vickye” James’ family. A candlelight vigil will be held for James starting at 7:30 p.m. Today at Jackson-Taylor Park in Jamestown. Submitted photo

Those who knew and cared for Vickye James will have another opportunity to remember a life lived well.

Today, a candlelight vigil will be held for James at Jackson-Taylor Park in Jamestown. Starting at 7:30 p.m., candles will be provided to those who attend, with the lighting of the candles at 8 p.m.

James, who died suddenly last month, was instrumental to the Jamestown community as the Ward 3 representative on the Jamestown City Council. James had also previously serving the Jamestown community on the Chautauqua County Legislature and as the longtime youth services director.

Regina Brackman, close friend of Vickye James, said the candlelight vigil is being held to help the community achieve closure on the unexpected passing of James

“I believe it is away for the community to show how much love and respect they have for Vickye and how much she will be missed throughout the city of Jamestown,” Brackman said.

From left, Regina Brackman, a close friend of the late Vickye James and her Goddaughter, Qiana “Kiki” James, Vickye James’ daughter, following a news conference at the Jamestown Municipal Building announcing Brackman’s nomination to fill Vickye James’ Ward 3 council seat. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

The idea for the vigil started when Brackman and her Goddaughter, Qiana “Kiki” James, Vickye James’ daughter, were talking to Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist following the mayor’s nomination of Brackman to fill Vickye James’ Ward 3 seat on the council.

“I believe this was an idea of Vickye’s daughter Qiana. I know she had been talking with Mayor Sundquist about holding the vigil. I believe he is providing the candles for the vigil,” Brackman said.

There will be T-shirts sold at the vigil for $15, with the proceeds going toward the Vickye James Memorial Fund.

“The fund will support a scholarship that will be presented to a graduating senior from Jamestown High School during the Annual Juneteenth Festival,” Brackman said.

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