James Winston was born March 18, 1932, in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents George Washington and Annie Winston and siblings, George Washington Jr (Bo), Eunice (OT), Oliver Lee Winston and 3 sisters Estelle, Ivory, and Dorothy.
James accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church and was baptized. Upon completing his education, he moved to Michigan. In 1951 James was drafted into the United States Army where he served 4 years. He moved to Chicago, Illinois and returned to school to get an engineer license. He later found employment at Kennedy King Community College until he retired in 1997.
On October 26, 1986, he married Levora Sandifer. They were married for 37 years. James was active in the church choir and the men's ministry.
He will forever live in the heart of his wife Levora and children, Terrie (Maverick), Horace (Sherry), Pattrus (Vernida), Gregory, Byron (Stephanie); Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.