On a Tuesday in the late summer of 2007, the life of James Walter Penn III, a 31-year-old Black man, was tragically cut short. He was at his home in Millville, New Jersey, on September 11th when he was killed by gunfire. His death left a void in the lives of his family and friends, who remembered him as a loving and compassionate person with a great sense of humor.
He was a man deeply connected to his community and his faith.
James, born on June 18, 1976, in Vineland, New Jersey, had spent much of his life in Pittsgrove Township before moving to Millville about a year before his passing. He was an active and dedicated member of St. Matthew Baptist Church for 19 years. A 1994 graduate of Arthur P. Schalick High School, he had been a standout athlete, earning the title of Most Valuable Player in football for four consecutive years. His athletic pursuits also included playing Little League Baseball in Elmer. He continued his education at Cumberland County College and DeVry University. At the time of his death, he was a father to three children, Ja'cel Malvese Penn, James Walter Spencer Penn, and Jyah Penn.
Following his death, funeral services were held at his longtime church, St. Matthew Baptist Church in Williamstown, and he was laid to rest at Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro. While his family and community mourned their loss, the circumstances surrounding his violent death remained a subject of concern. Online sources indicate that two individuals were arraigned in connection with the shooting, suggesting that arrests were made in the case. However, detailed information regarding the suspects and the specifics of the legal proceedings are not readily available in the public domain. The passage of time has left many questions about the pursuit of justice for James Walter Penn III unanswered.
