Campaign honors beloved Rev. Darryl Farrar James

By Kelvin Childs

October 27, 2025

The late Rev. Darryl Farrar James (’75, B.A.) was a devoted man of God and an enthusiastic member of the Howard University community. In his honor, the $25,000 Father Darryl Farrar James Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Campaign recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of this Episcopal priest. 

James served at Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens, for 12 years until his retirement in 2019, becoming rector emeritus. The New York State Senate honored him with a resolution, stating, “Reverend Father Darryl F. James has brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication.”

He earned his bachelor of arts degree at Howard in 1975 and his MDiv degree from Yale University in 1979. He was deeply involved in Howard campus life, beginning with being president of his freshman class and eventually becoming Mister Howard University. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and president of the Pan Hellenic Council. 

His membership in and later presidency of the Absalom Jones Student Association, a Christian fellowship, sparked his interest in ministry. His music talents included leading the clarinet section of the “Showtime” Marching Band and singing in the Howard Gospel Choir.

James was one of the founders of “Bison on the Vineyard,” a gathering of Howard alumni who assemble annually at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. A bench is placed there with a nameplate in his honor. He also established “Martha’s Vineyard Mardi Gras” and “Father Darryl James’ Chicken & Waffles Brunch.”

His 35-year career in ministry included postings in Newark, New Jersey, and Chicago, before his appointment in 2007 as priest-in-charge and later rector of Grace Church in 2010. As rector, James joined the Investment Committee and the Episcopal Health Service Board of Managers. He co-founded the Downtown Jamaica Clergy and was president of the Queens Federation of Churches.

His service includes being national president of the Union of Black Episcopalians in 1990 and membership on the Chicago School Board from 1990 to 1995. He performed mission work in New Orleans in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

A donation to the Father Darryl Farrar James Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Campaign continues his legacy of service to all. The fund will provide emergency monies to students in need, or to the general fund of the Howard University Alumni Association.

Please donate here: Father Darryl Farrar James Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Campaign