Steve James is best known for his roles as “Kung Fu Joe” in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, where he had folks crackin’ up off of his over the top Black Kung Fu character.
That role was a funny ode to his other previous movie character as “Curtis Jackson” in the American Nina series. James is also known for his roles in Delta Force and Hollywood Shuffle and he was also a stunt double.
Another thing he’s obviously known for was his superb physically fit build and excellent health, so that’s why everyone was taken by surprise to learn that his body had lost it’s battle with pancreatic cancer in 1993. He was only 41 years young and is survived by his daughter (from a previous relationship), Debbi James; and his wife, Christine Pan James.
His wife, Christine, has a different take on his death though. She has expressed her skepticism about whether or not Steve even had cancer at all. She has raised suspicion about whether or not the chemotherapy his doctors administered to him is what actually killed him. Here’s what she said:
“Unfortunately, Steve was diagnosed with cancer. In hindsight, I wish that we had opted for surgery first. The doctor that diagnosed him didn’t know what kind of cancer he supposedly had & gave him chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer that Steve may not have had… Steve was so healthy otherwise that the chemo may have killed him.
Anyone who is diagnosed with cancer & chemotherapy is recommended by the doctor should get 2nd, 3rd & even 4th consults before agreeing to the chemo & really check out the doctors’ credentials.”
Meet His Daughter
Steve’s daughter’s name is Debbi James; she is a singer and model. She and her mother are from Holon, Israel. Sadly, Debbi’s Mother also passed away in 2005, and back in 2014 she paid homage to both of her parents online with the following photo collage and message:
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Steve James didn’t get to spend many years with his daughter, Debbi, because he passed away when she was still very young, but from the looks of the Facebook page Debbi has started in her Dad’s memory, ‘My Dad Steve James,’ she is keeping his legacy and the beautiful memories she shared with him alive.
It’s sad that Steve is no longer here with us, but his life can be a reminder that no matter how healthy we may appear to be, we may not be necessarily be as up to par with our health as we think. Most of us reading this are Old Schoolers, so please ILOSM family, let’s all remember to get checkups regularly and the proper screenings to detect any illnesses as early as we possibly can. Steve’s wife, Christine’s, wise advice to get a second, third, and maybe even fourth opinion from doctors probably won’t hurt either.
Thanks to Steve James for leaving us with that life lesson and great memories from back in the day through his acting. May he continue to rest peacefully.
