James at
2001 Masters' Graduation
James Cheatham
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Parole Appearance
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03-2011
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Mailing
Address:
James Cheatham
#89T4312
Woodbourne Correctional Facility
99 Prison Road, PO Box 1000
Woodbourne, NY 12788-1000
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Letter of Support
I am James Cheatham, Department of Correctional Services Identification Number 89-T-4312. On February 15, 1988, I was arrested, and charged with murder. On February 23, 1988, a six-count indictment charged me with two counts of 2nd degree murder, and two counts each of 1st degree burglary and robbery. These charges arose out of an incident occurring on November 30, 1987, in Queens County where Ms. Marie Williams was stabbed to death inside her home. Allegedly, Ms. Williams was killed; her home burglarized, and robbed by removing a videocassette recorder. Trial commenced October 24, 1988. I was convicted on November 7, 1988, and on November 28, 1988, sentenced to a term of 22 years to life. I didn't know Marie Williams prior to her death, but through various investigative police reports, case documents and trial proceedings, I've come to know and understand many aspects of her life. The terrible events of that November night changed many lives, especially my own. For many years I've thought about all the misdeeds and things I've done that were not captured within my conviction; the sufferings of my family, friends, relatives, and most certainly the pain suffered by the Williams family. While I often think about that night and my arrest, I mostly think about Marie Williams. When you put a human face on a murder victim and understand the finality of taking someone's life, and that there is nothing you can do to make the situation better, it's painful. I think about these things with profound regret and sorrow, not only for the tragedy I created for myself, but mainly for the tragedy I caused for Marie Williams and her family. Looking back over the years, and upon the events that led to my imprisonment, I understand that I didn't always have as clear sense of who I am as I do now. I am encouraged by the knowledge that I've now acquired the capability to be a productive citizen, and qualified through my experience to help others avoid destructive and lifestyles which often lead to prison. Though I am behind bars, I am not blind. I see our communities dying and the ruin of family structures. I see Marie Williams, and I know that I have much to give. I was born on January 2, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. Educationally, I've earned an AA Degree in Liberal Arts/Humanities, a BA Degree (Cum Laude) in Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Professional Studies. My parents, James and Dorothy Cheatham were doting and supportive, firmly grounding me in religiously inspired morals and work ethics. My father was born October 1, 1916, in Midnight, Mississippi, he was a devout Catholic and long-time member of the Holy Name Society. While crossing the street one August day in 1982, he was struck and killed by a hit-and-run motorist who was never caught. My mother was born March 16, 1919, in Westover, Maryland, a deeply religious Southern Baptist, who died on April 17, 1993, having suffered a massive heart failure. My employment history prior to prison includes Assistant Manager, Sales Associate, and Maintenance Landscaping. On a part-time basis, I provided various repair services such as automotive, television, appliance, and other electronic devices, and often performed neighborhood landscaping free of charge. Just prior to my conviction, I'd been accepted by the New York City Department of Corrections for employment, awarded a Badge No., and was awaiting academy enrollment. Among various prison occupations, I've served for well over 17 years as Senior Clerk and Office Manager for both Educational and Vocational Supervisors. Incarceration History Educational Accomplishments: 2002-2003 2000-2001 1996-1997 1994-1995 1992-1993 Employment: Volunteer Program Participation:
Special Skills: Among other skills, I am a proficient Group Leader, Facilitator, Educator, Teacher Assistant/Aide, Religious Lead-person for the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and Inmate Grievance Resolution Committee (I.G.R.C.) Program Aide II. I'm computer literate and skilled in the use of various spreadsheet, word processing, and desktop publishing software. Other aptitudes include:
Commendations Received:
Release Plans Statement of Overall Plan: My human services experience has strengthened my long-term career goal to become an acute and perceptive Human Resource Program Director dedicated to providing meaningful community service. My short-term goal supports my desire to become a Skilled Helper in the professional helping field in such areas as Family Services, Counseling and Social Work. I plan to further my education toward a Doctorial degree, join a church and take an active part in its pastoral counseling and community activism. Sometime in the future, I wish to visit my parent's burial site to pay my proper respects. Potential Employment Opportunities: Potential job offers with previous employers are promising, as well as employment prospects with a private mental health facility. Reasonable assurances have been offered by many agencies catering to ex-offenders, most notably from Exodus Transitional Communities, Inc. Support from Family Members or Others: Family and friends remain steadfast in their support and continue to pledge their assistance upon my release. In Closing ... Over the years, I've had to examine my life, especially the things that brought me to prison. Remembering the loss of my father, I kind of got a feel for what I had done to facilitate my imprisonment; however, it wasn't until after my mother's passing, that I fully understood my situation, circumstances, and the problems I alone had caused my family and others. I came to understand that death changes things; that real accountability means understanding the harm I've done and to whom. I began to imagine what Marie's family, friends, and relatives must have felt when she was so suddenly taken away. My loss made me realize their loss. The death of Marie Williams was an extreme violation, and violations create obligations, especially the obligation to make things right. I have assumed this obligation to the extent of making it my life's mission to try and repair the harm I have done. If I could meet the family of Marie Williams, I would convey to them that Marie's death has not gone unnoticed, unanswered, or unmourned by my family or myself. I would sincerely want them to understand how much I truly regret my actions; how deeply I regret the tragedy that took Marie's life. More than anything, I would like Marie's family to know and understand that, though there is no way for me to undo what has been done, I would offer my life to them in forfeit, praying that in doing so, I can somehow afford them some semblance of peaceful closure. I can only hope that by the way I spend the rest of my life, whether it's in prison or not, they could in some way see that I do understand what I have done, and have changed my life accordingly. I pray that in some way, this begins the healing process. I sincerely wish to thank those who've visited this site and my profile, for your genuine interest, kind consideration and heartfelt understanding. I pray that my words and deeply felt sentiments have reached beyond my prison cell and into your hearts and mind; that in doing so, I have inspired you to respond with your letter of support. May God bless all of us--always-- Sincerely, Send |
• Certificate of Completion, Inmate Program Assistant Training
James Cheatham 
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