Cynthia James, a dedicated member of the bodybuilding community, passed away on Sunday.
James gained a passion for fitness at a young age and turned it into a successful career.
In addition to leading a recreated amateur and IFBB Pro career in the Women’s Bodybuilding division, she was also a businesswoman.
She founded CJ’s Elite Competition Suits & Glam Competition Jewelry/Accessories in 1996, during which time she tailored countless attires for the world’s elite bodybuilding competitors.
Over the years, she has worked with some top bodybuilding athletes, including Phil Heath and Dexter Jackson. Most recently, she created wear for Derek Lunsford.
IFBB Pro Cynthia James Passed Away At The Age of 59
IFBB Pro Cynthia James died on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 59. However, the cause of death has not been revealed.
CJ’s Elite Competition Suits took to their official Instagram handle to announce the death of Cynthia. They wrote,
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Cynthia James. CJ passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, with loved ones by her side. Many of you knew CJ not just as the talented creator behind your competition wear, but as a dedicated member of the bodybuilding community. Her passion for the industry was evident in every suit she made, and she truly paved the way for so many.
CJ’s Elite Competition Suits
American retired IFBB Pro League professional bodybuilder Dexter Jackson also took to his official Instagram handle and mounted the death of Cynthia. He wrote,
I’m heartbroken to share that my dear friend CJ, the founder of CJ Elite Suits, has passed away. CJ wasn’t just someone I worked with.. she was family. She was with me from 1995 all the way through to my retirement, and she played a huge role in my journey. God Bless you, my friend. You will never be forgotten. I LOVE YOU BIG SIS!
Dexter Jackson
Bodybuilder Phil Heath also took to his Instagram handle and remembered when he worked with Cynthia James. He wrote,
My dear friend CJ @ifbb_cj I’ve been trying to find the words all day. I don’t want to believe this is real and that you’re really gone. I pray that you’re in perfect peace and that you continue to shine your bright and beautiful light on us from above.
Phil Heath
Steve Payne took to his official Facebook handle and mourned the tragic loss of Cynthia. He wrote,
This is how I’ll remember Cynthia James. This pic is probably from backstage at NPC Nationals in Miami. I got to work with CJ quite a bit between 2009 and 2020. We were always backstage at almost all of the NPC National level shows. She was always there for the competitors, fixing suits, even ones that weee not hers. The NPC and IFBB Pro League have lost another good one.
Steve Payne
Other close ones have also poured their heartfelt condolence and sent prayers to James’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
Her family will soon reveal her funeral service schedule. Rest in Paradise, Cynthia James.
Cynthia James Came Down With Pneumonia And Went To Congestive Heart Failure In 2024
On December 5, 2024, Cynthia James took to her official Instagram handle and posted a photo of herself lying on a hospital bed.
Through the post, she announced that she was admitted for shortness of breath and found out that she had pneumonia that caused congestive heart failure.
She also revealed that she was given the wrong medication, which caused an adverse reaction, and was forced to stay for a week in the hospital.
James concluded the post by expressing gratitude for being alive.
Following the post, Cynthia’s loved ones sent their prayers. One person wrote,
Sending prayers CJ we love you ❤️ get well soon
Silvana hudson
The second person wrote,
Always worry about u my friend… when I don’t hear from you on a regular basis it makes me worry! I hate to read this but at the same time grateful to read you are still with us and hopefully doing better. Please reach out soon, miss and luv ya tons
Jermaine Todd
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Cynthia James was an IFBB Pro Women’s Bodybuilder, NPC CJ Classic Show Promoter, IFBB Pro Official, and NPC Judge.
- CJ’s Elite Competition Suits offers a collection of custom-fitted men’s and women’s regulation-cut competition suits and costumes for bikini, figure, fitness, women’s physique, women’s bodybuilding, men’s classic physique, and men’s bodybuilding.
- James sewed every suit that went out of her shop.
