James Lamarr Mann

James was not a man you could summarize with a few words - nor would he want you

to try.

James was born December 14, 1967 to James Clifford Mann and Princella Palmer in Detroit, Michigan. James was a thinker, builder, and wanderer of ideas and places.

James was a Desert Storm veteran who carried both strength and depth, shaped by life experiences but not defined by them. He faced his own battles, both seen and unseen; with a mind that never stopped moving.

To know James was to experience contrast. He was brilliant, curious, and yes...a little neurotic in the way only beautiful minds are. His thoughts ran deep, his conversations even deeper. James loved traveling, cooking, gardening, and above all, he was spontaneous. He didn't always follow the expected path - that was part of his beauty. He loved to learn; not casually, but with intention. James earned both multiple Bachelor degrees and an MBA. His life journey led him into entrepreneurship in both real estate and finance.

James was a father to six children; four by birth and two by love, and there was no distinction between them. In his eyes, they were all his - equally. Lester, Camry, Amber, James, Solomon, and Zahara.

And then there is me, April, his wife and partner of 30 years. Not just the third chapter, but the longest one. We built a life layered with time, growth, challenges, and understanding. Thirty years of knowing a man who could not be placed in a box; and loving him exactly that way.

James walked in the identity of a Hebrew man, holding his beliefs as part of his foundation and personal truth. He prayed Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 throughout the day which was handed down to him from his father.

He has now transitioned from this life, but not before leaving an imprint that cannot be erased. He will be missed - not just for who he was but for how he made you think,

question and grow.