Obituary of James Agee, Jr.

South Plainfield, NJ – James Agee, Jr., 63, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at his home in South Plainfield.

Born and raised in Detroit, MI, to the late James and Louella Agee, James, was a graduate of Cooley High School, Class of 1980, and later attended the University of Detroit Mercy, where he majored in Criminal Justice and a minor in Social Work. He was a member of The Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Phi Delta Psi Fraternity.

Following his graduation in 1984, and working briefly for Coca Cola, he then began his career in Law Enforcement. He joined the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, and after his training, he was relocated the New York City Field Office, bringing him to reside in Piscataway, NJ.

While working for the DEA, James met Vera Bouey, an FBI employee, at a work holiday party in December, 1988, the two were later wed in July of 1993. They started their family in North Plainfield, and in 1996 they relocated to Barbados with their three sons. In 2003, they came back to the United States, settling in South Plainfield, where they have lived since.

James proudly worked for the DEA for 20 years, earning many awards through the years. Following his retirement, he continued to give back to the community, going back to work for the Urban League of Union County, then Kintock Group, and ultimately staying at Blessed Ministry, Inc. in Newark, where he has served as a Social Worker/Case Manager for their Re-Entry Programs for those exiting prison or on parole. Throughout the years, he has made an impact on every company or organization he has worked with, receiving awards for over 30 years for his service to the community, as well as continued calls through the years from past employers to express how much they miss having him work with them. It is hard to find someone who James did not get along with.

Although James was taken out of Detroit, he carried the city deep in his heart. Whether it was supporting the Detroit Sports teams, the Lions, the Tigers and the Pistons, or his love for American Made, Detroit Made, cars, James never forgot where he came from. Not only did he love watching sports, he enjoyed playing them. In his younger years, he excelled in Baseball, he also played in various Law Enforcement basketball and football leagues. James took his love of sports, and passed it onto his three children, coaching them throughout the years.

James was also a music and movie enthusiast. He loved all genres of music, and there were very few movies he could not talk to you about.

Predeceased by his parents, and brother, Samuel Agee, James will be deeply missed by his wife, Vera Agee; three sons, Jeffrey, James, and Jared; and grandchildren, Jayla and King. He is also survived by his sister, Cynthia Lige; nieces, Bridget, Tracy, Trimeka, and Andrea; nephews, Damion and Joseph, and a host of extended relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at the McCriskin - Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, June 8, 2025, beginning at 3 PM.

Burial will take place at Rosehill Cemetery, 792 E Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10 AM.