Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean — Caribbean Region (Lesser Antilles)
Vance Theophilus James
a.k.a. Captain David
After having worked as a cane cutter and fisherman, he first started sailing on the Lady Kate, and later on the inter island sloop the Cassaloma. He went on to become captain of the Calina, and then became known as "Captain David." The vessels he captained carried both cargo and passengers. Sailing from the island of St. Kitts, his ports of call were St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and St Croix U.S. Virgin Islands. Always important, but especially so during the Second World War, the trips from St. Kitts to St. Maarten kept the island supplied with the necessary provisions, as St. Kitts was the sole supply source of food and goods to St. Maarten.
Captain David was often called to make quick trips before the weather changed, or because something was in short supply. His love of life on the seas spanned a period of some 21 years, He retired from the sea in 1962 and started his own beverage import business.
A disciplinarian molded by the sea where quick decisions had to be made, he believed in hard work, honesty, integrity and service to others above self. On his final journey in 1994, he was saluted, praised and remembered fondly by a large cross section of the St. Maarten community.
Honesty, Integrity, and Service to Others Above Self
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1989.
Location. 18° 0.823′ N, 63° 2.67′ W. Marker is in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Marker is on Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, 0.8 kilometers west of Juancho Yrausquin Blvd. Located in front of the Information Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philipsburg, Sint Maarten 00100, Dutch Caribbean. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr Albert Claudius ("Claude") Wathey (a few steps from this marker); John Philip Frederick Craane (a few steps from this marker); The Old Police Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Frontstreet Merchants (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); St. Maarten Gingerbread Market Stalls (about 90 meters away); Historic Sint Maarten Remembered (about 120 meters away); Sint Rose Hospital (approx. one kilometer away); St. Joseph Convent 1890 (approx. one kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philipsburg.
Regarding Vance Theophilus James. Captain David can be considered one of St. Maarten's first cargo handlers and importers/exporters.The new cargo section is named The Captain David Cargo Quay ( Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Complex ) in honor of Mr. Vance Theo. James, better known as Captain David.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,073 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 19, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on March 15, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 19, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.