These are some words written by his mother, Darcella Massy Goodman
Our son, James B. Goodman, was born on September 24, 1983, in Leavenworth, Kansas. When James came to live with us, he was 3 ½ years old. He is preceded in death by his father, Danny Goodman.
Danny and I first met James in Leavenworth. We took him to a park so we could get to know each other. James noticed that Danny was a smoker at that time. James looked at him and said emphatically “and no smoking.” I had a good chuckle about that, but Danny was taken by surprise. From that time on, there was never a dull moment in our house. James loved sports and he was very athletic and very good at all sports he participated in through his school years. He and his dad would spend countless hours together watching ball games of all sorts on television.
In James’ growing up years he had hopes of going to college and getting a degree that was sports related. As he grew into being a man, his talents shined forth, he was particularly good in his dealings with people. His final profession was in helping people with special needs. I was very proud of him for that, his father would have also been. A day will come when we will all be reunited, and I look forward to that!
James is survived by his mother, three sons, Avery James Goodman-Byrd, and James Benjamin Goodman- Byrd Jr, Denton, TX, Josiah Goodman, Topeka, KS, two daughters, Amiyah Goodman and K’Liah Goodman, Topeka, KS.; aunts, cousins other family members and friends.
