️ Honoring Claude James (aka “Brooklyn”) — Help Find His Family

Hi, my name is Chemere, and I’m asking for your help to honor the life of a man who became like a brother to me — Claude James, known to many in New York City as Brooklyn.

I first met Claude in 2016 while working at Walgreens. He came in to return bottles — always quiet, always respectful. Over time, our quick greetings turned into real conversations, laughter, and genuine friendship. When my store closed and I transferred to a new location, he followed — not out of need, but because we had become family.

We started calling each other brother and sister. I never looked at him differently because of his situation. He was a beautiful soul — someone who treated everyone with kindness, someone who would give what little he had to help someone else. He had a tough life, but he never let it harden him.

Last year, Claude had a stroke. I stepped in to help with his appointments and made sure he got his medications as best I could. He didn’t have anyone else that I knew of — no next of kin, no emergency contact, just me and his community that he built by always coming around and we loved him. He recently passed away, and I’m doing everything I can to make sure his life is not erased or forgotten.

I’m asking for your help for three things:

1. To find his family, if they are still out there — someone who deserves to know that he mattered, that he was loved.

2. To raise money for final arrangements, if no family is found in time.

3. To honor Claude’s memory in the dignified, loving way he deserves.

Claude’s birthday was December 4, and he was known in the Brooklyn and NY area, often near Walgreens stores. He was known by many as “Brooklyn.”

Please donate if you can — even $5 helps — and most importantly, share this post so we can find anyone who knew him or might be related. If you recognize him, or have any information about his family, please reach out.

Claude wasn’t just a “bottle guy.” He was a good man with a kind heart. He was my family — and I want to do right by him.

With love and thanks,

Chemere