Who is James or Bomefree from Narrative of Sojourner Truth and what is their importance?

James, also known as Bomefree, was Isabella's father. When Isabella was sold the slaveholders allowed Betsey to stay with James if she would care for him. After Betsey's death, Bomefree was shifted from one family member to another. In the end, James was sent away with a slave couple that was promised their freedom if they would take him along. The couple died before Jim, and he has left homeless.