Ishmael Ahmad James, our “Gentle Giant’ was born Dec. 24, 1997, to Robert L. James and Cerrow Morris. Ishmael, affectionately known as Ahmad, was born and raised in Madison, Wis.

He attended Falk and Orchard Ridge elementary schools, Toki middle and Memorial High. Ishmael was an intellectual who maintained multiple rigorous AP courses. He was one of the high schools' ambassadors who gave tours and tutored younger peers. He was a part of the PEOPLE program and received the Links award three out of four years of high school. Ishmael was All City and All Conference offensive and defensive lineman. He was also captain of the Varsity football team. In 2016 he went on to attend the University of Kentucky where he studied Neuroscience, Kinesiology and Spanish. While there he pledged Phi Gamma Delta and participated in various on campus activities.

In 2019 Ishmael returned home to Madison, Wis., for an internship with Madison Metropolitan School District. Ishmael worked as a bilingual and inclusive Special Education Assistant at Orchard Ridge. He was a part time assistant director for Madison School Community and Recreation. Ahmad was a jovial spirit, full of love and life; to know him was to love him. Known for his big smile and beautiful soul, he embraced everyone he was around.

Ishmael was dedicated to his family, friends and students. A pillar of his community, he gave back through youth and had plans to further impact their lives. Ishmael lived a purposeful life filled with fun and adventure. Ahmad was our beloved and a light in this world. He destroyed many stereotypes as he was not the typical 24-year-old Black man.

Ishmael entered Paradise to be with our Savior Jesus Christ on Jan. 21, 2022. He leaves behind his parents, Robert and Cerrow; one sister Akira; one honorary sister, Shawasha; grandparents, Denise and McKinley James; a girlfriend, Charlotte Goetzka; one aunt; three uncles; a special bud, Stacion Adams; and a host of family and friends. Preceding him in death are his maternal grandparents, Earnestine and Alonzo Adams. Ishmael will be missed, and his memory will be carried on for generations.

A funeral service will be held at BLACK HAWK CHURCH, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Ishmael’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. A graveside service will follow at MIDDLETON JUNCTION CEMETERY, 8409 Isaac Drive, Madison. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Ishmael A. James

December 24, 1997 - January 22, 2022

Share memories of Ishmael