Ja-Leel was born on April 17, 1972 on Easter weekend in the town of Hayti Missouri. His birth name is James Edward Lewis II as the son of James E. Lewis Senior and Jeannie Harper-Lewis. He is also known as MC Ja-Leel (Jah – Leeeeel)
He moved to Springfield Missouri in 1984 and the Lewis/Wright family settled in the neighborhood currently known as Westport. He made many friends and they all went to school together while growing up. He attended Pipkin Jr High Central High Schools. He completed his GED in the Job Corps while attending Job Corps in St. Louis Missouri. He went to Vatterott College in Springfield Missouri. He studied to be a paralegal and he was on the Dean’s List.

He had many interests as many of you know he excelled in writing poetry and some of his poetry was turned into music (CDs). If you had attended the wake last night, then you had the benefit of hearing some of his work. Many of you would say as he would, “you know my work!”
He never met a stranger, and he was always willing to help others. He treated all others with respect and honesty and expected to be treated the same. If he had thought that you had disrespected to or lied to him, then you had HELL to pay. He had a firm belief in honesty.
He treated his nieces as if they were his own. He wrote “PeekaBoo” I see you for them. He wore many titles to include son, brother, uncle, rapper, friend, counselor, helper, volunteer and performer.

We received many positive reports on Facebook and we have included a few comments here; Latonya Baily said, “As a friend, he (Ja-Leel) always had your back.” Tyrone said that his brother is a friend, a true brother’s keeper, a protector, he is my battle buddy. Ann; As a brother a “He knows our works he knows what I am talking about.” Mom says, as a son he is now free to soar high like an eagle. Spread your wings and fly high my son. Andrew Thomas said, “My heart Hurts.” Mary Wallace said, “I just remembered my cousin Bam gave him the name ‘The Rapper Ja-Leel.’ He leaves behind so many others that know and love him. There is too many to mention them all here, so please remember that your memories are his strength and they carry his life.

Permanent online condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.