James Lee Rufus, affectionatley known as "Jimmie Lee" was born on March 21, 1938 to the late Hattie Bell Rhine and James Rufus, Sr. in Luxora Arkansas. He was the eldest of fourteen children.

James relocated to Chicago at an early age where he met and married Pauline Rufus. To this union, four children were born: Beverly Rufus, Lil Pauline Rufus, James Rufus (who proceeded him in death), and Essie Rufus. He later met and married Elizabeth Margaret Rufus. To their union, four children were born: James, Estelle, Michael, and Kathy. He spent the last 19 years of his life with his significant other, Pat.  James worked as a truck driver and a sercurity guard. He was a family man who loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He would occassionally travel to Arkansas to visit his loving family. James loved to joke and have fun with his family whenever possible. He was extremely fond of the blues.

James departed this life on Monday, November 4, 2019 to join the choir of Angels. He will also join his parents, Hattie and James, Sr., his stepfather, Sal Walters, his son James Rufus, brother Robert (Arkansas), sisters Bobbie, Dorothy, Ermma (Arkansas).

James leaves to cherish his memories: Five daughters - Beverly, Lil Pauline, Essie, Estelle and Kathy; Two sons - James and Michael; Six Brothers - Allen Walters (Sarah), Lennell Walters, Clarence Walters (Dereice) of Little Rock, AR, Curtis Walters, David Walters, Charles Walters (Izzis) all from Arkansas; Four Sisters - Mary A. Wimbely, Mable Gathen (Frankie), Judy Jacob (Derrick), Rebecca Wahley (Frankie); special cousin, Mary Lee, and a host of  grandchildren other relatives and friends.