Wesley James Japal

Please click here to view the Funeral Service for Mr. Wesley Japal. Streaming will begin on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 2:30pm.

Wesley James Japal died on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 of a sudden cardiac event at the age of 81. Wesley, also known as “Bones” or “Jap”, was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Hill, his son-in-law Otway Berryman Hill, and his granddaughter Lily Hill. He is also survived by his brothers, Knoxley Japal, Henry Japal, and sisters Roselyn Laurice Charles and Maureen Japal. In addition, he is remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Vicklyn (David) Japal, and his brothers, Simon Paris Japal and David Stanley Japal.

Wesley was born on May 13, 1942 in Grenada to George Japal and Emelda (John) Japal. He was the second of seven children. Wesley graduated from St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS), at which upon graduation, he began a career in education as a teacher. He went on to attend Howard University in Washington, DC on a full scholarship. He was a member of the Howard University Cricket team, a sport he began playing as a young boy and would play throughout his adult life. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Howard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics after which point he returned to Grenada and continued to teach at SASS.

On February 14, 1972, he married his soulmate, Vicklyn Petty David. The early years of their marriage in Grenada before and after the birth of their daughter were described by both as some of the happiest years of their marriage. They returned to the United States in the mid ‘70s. Eventually Wesley settled into a position with the Prince George’s County Public School System as a Data Analyst from which he retired. After returning to the U.S. his wife was diagnosed with end stage renal disease (Kidney Disease) and he proved himself to be a loving and devoted husband, caring for his wife until her death in December of 2007. 

Wesley will be remembered as a man of principle who was respected and trusted. He was organized and thorough and carried himself in a way that made others admire and aspire to be like him. He cared about others and shared his wisdom with those around him. His compassion has left an imprint on all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to Gasch’s Funeral Home, 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781 on Monday, May 6, 2024, for a viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of his wife, Vicklyn Japal, or to an organization that would benefit the island of Grenada.