Reverend James Leonard Lucas is a pastor from Savannah, Georgia, father of Carl Lucas and the illegitimate father of Willis Stryker.

Biography[]

Early Life[]

Becoming the Pastor[]

James Lucas was born in Savannah, Georgia, the son of Tuskegee Airman who founded Mount Calvary Baptist Church in the city after World War II. Lucas became a pastor of the church.^[1]

Family Dramas[]

Fling with Dana Stryker[]

James Lucas had an affair with Dana Stryker, his secretary. Yet, the affair became evident when a son, Willis Stryker, was born to both of their shock. However, Lucas refused to leave his wife and therefore rejected Stryker, having his own son, named Carl Lucas, two years later. Lucas' mother was thought to be unable to have any children, leading to young Carl being called "The Miracle Baby," something that enraged Willis as the truth about him also being the preacher's son was kept hidden from everybody, including Carl whom Willis had become friends with, while Lucas still had disdain for Willis.^[2] James coached Carl's football team and on one occasion he had to tell Carl to get up after a big hit.^[3]

Estrangement From His Son[]

Once Carl Lucas had been sent to Seagate Penitentiary, Lucas did not visit his son. The one time he did was with his wife Etta Lucas, who was getting ill and blamed Carl for her sickness out of grief, straining their relationship. Carl sent him fifty letters, but Lucas was so angry that he sent them back marked "return to sender."^[4]

Reunion[]

Moving into Harlem[]

With the emergence of Luke Cage as Harlem's Hero, James Lucas moved to New York City in order to arrange a reunion with his son. He reached out to his Cage, but was rebuffed. While in New York, he continued to preach the word of God. Finally, James met his son on the street and they talked. The reunion was not a pleasant one as Luke was angry at his father for ignoring him during his time in prison, for his mother's death, and not telling him about Willis Stryker.^[4] The next day, Lucas went to Pop's Barber Shop in hopes of talking to Cage, but was forced out the door. He returned to his church and gave a speech to his people.^[5] The next day, he was met by Claire Temple, who sat at the altar and talked to Lucas. Temple talked about her boyfriend and his troubles. Lucas concluded that she must love him very much. Temple told him that she did love "Luke" a lot. Lucas then realized that her boyfriend was his son.^[6]

Making Up with His Son[]

Having been caught up in a battle with the Stylers, Lucas was called upon when Luke Cage requested Lucas to watch over Piranha Jones, who Bushmaster wanted to have killed. Lucas said that he will always have open doors for people to stay, including Cage. Cage then left to pursue Bushmaster.^[7] Soon afterwards, Jones left and Lucas let him because he had free will.

Cage returned injured. When he came to, he asked where Jones was and Lucas explained that he left. Cage told him he had one job, but Lucas said that one job was to serve the lord. He explained that Jones could do as he pleases. Cage set out to find Jones again. When Cage returned, he said that Jones had died. He then talked with his father about their troubles. Cage was still hurt that Lucas blamed him for Etta getting sick. He said that he always cherishes the last moment with her because Lucas dragged Etta away from Cage and he never saw her again. Lucas took responsibility saying that he was hurt. Cage could not forgive him for Willis Stryker though. Suddenly, D.W. Griffith arrived saying that Mariah Dillard's Brownstone was on fire. Cage ran out to help.^[3]

Attacked[]

Lucas was giving his speech to the people of the church when suddenly, Stylers arrived to kill Luke Cage. They shot, but did no damage to Cage. Lucas punched one of them and ran. Cage met up with him and told him not to worry as he is bulletproof. Lucas said that they still shot at his son. Cage went to Mother's Touch only to be followed closely by Lucas. Cage suggested they find protection from Danny Rand.^[8]

Bonding with Luke Cage[]

They arrived at Rand Enterprises Research Facility. Luke Cage fidgeted to get the doors open, causing Mariah Dillard to grow impatient, but Lucas told her to calm down. They got into the building and relaxed a little. Tilda Johnson gave Lucas Nightshade to heal his bleeding knuckles from his punches. He found Cage shaking the coffe vending machine after losing his coffee, but Lucas calmed him down before simply pressing a button that released the stuck cup. They sat down and talked.

Lucas walked over to Dillard and they talked about their troubles with their children. He then gladly showed Dillard pictures of Cage as a child. Dillard said she was never there for Johnson, but Lucas said he was there for Cage, but never truly there. Later, the Stylers arrived to get Dillard. They gave everyone a chance to give him Dillard without risking their lives. Cage and Misty Knight wanted to do it, but Lucas told them not to. The fight commenced and Bushmaster was defeated. Sitting on the ambulance, Cage and Lucas talked once more. Lucas said he came to Harlem to reconnect with Cage and he feels he has done that. it is time to go back to Georgia. He offered for Cage to join him, but he declined saying it was his job to protect the city and he has to see it through. Lucas sighed and told Cage how proud he was of his son. The two hugged before going out to eat one last time.^[9]

Personality[]

To be added

Facilities[]

• Mount Calvary Baptist Church: Lucas founded this church after World War II and worked as its pastor. At this church, Lucas had an affair with his secretary, Dana Stryker, resulting in the birth of Willis Stryker.
• Mount Olivet Baptist Church: Lucas moved to New York City in order to attempt to reunite with his son, Luke Cage. While there, he preached at Mount Olivet Baptist Church. Cage confronted Lucas in the church, asking him to hide Piranha Jones, leading to Cage finally opening to Lucas.
• Rand Enterprises Research Facility: Lucas hid from Bushmaster and the Stylers in a Rand Enterprises facility. While here, Lucas bonded with Mariah Dillard about them both being parents. When Bushmaster attacked facility, he gave the people inside a chance to all leave except Dillard, which Lucas then convinced Cage to not accept. Cage then defeated Bushmaster, and Lucas decided to return to Georgia.

Relationships[]

Appearances[]

Trivia[]

• In the comics, James Lucas Sr. was a New York City Police Detective who lived in Harlem with his wife Esther and his sons Carl and James Lucas Jr.. After the imprisonment of his son Carl and the death of his wife, he legally changed his name to James Geary.
• Lucas' phone number is 917-555-0132.^[9]

Behind the Scenes[]

• Drew Wright was a stunt double for Reg E. Cathey in the role of James Lucas.

References[]

The Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki has a collection of images and media related to James Lucas.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki has a collection of quotes related to James Lucas.

External Links[]

• James Lucas Sr. on Marvel Database