James accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and joined the St. John Baptist Church. He received his formal education in the Orrville, Alabama school system and graduated from Keith High School in 1957.
James migrated north to New York City in that same year where he married the former Ruthie Acoff. They joined the Peoples Baptist Church also in New York City. Although the marriage ended in divorce the blessings of Kenneth (Kenny) and James Jr. (Junior) came from this union.
James found great joy in spending time with his family; being a jokester and making people laugh. He also loved fishing and sports; especially baseball and basketball which he was very good at playing. In addition, he enjoyed working alongside his brother Walter at the Nova Manufacturing Company until they closed. He then worked at Edison Parking Company until he retired. James remarried the former Straddie Bernice Simpson and from this union they were blessed with Khia Monai and Travis Christopher (TC). They joined the New Star Baptist Church family where he loved to attend until his failing health prevented it. James peacefully fell asleep in Jesus on Monday, November 15, 2021, in the comfort of his home with his loving family at his side.
James is preceded in death by his parents, brother Lester (Lorraine), two sisters-in-law: Shirley (Walter) & Lucy (Leon Smalls). He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife Straddie who stayed by his side and cared for him until he took his last breath; five children: Kenny, Junior, Vanessa Scarboro, Khia (Shadai) Dudley & TC; seven grandchildren: Kai & Kahirah Scarboro, Laquel (Kenneth-US Army) Skeete, Myaisha, Corey, Kayla Grant & Raziel Dudley; three great-grandchildren Sur’ri Briggins, Aiden & Kennedie Skeete; four sisters: Ann Harris, Corine Briggins, Sarah Acoff, & Mary Briggins; four brothers: Walter, Billie, Edward & Johnnie; three sisters-in-law: Geraldine (Jerry) Cochran, Pinky (John) Zackery, & Kate Mims and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.
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