James was born on Thursday, November 30, 1944, in Evanston, Illinois to James and Annie Mae Jennings. James departed this life on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2019. 

James was the third child of five children.  James was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church by Reverend Williams in 1952.  He was a graduate of Noyes Grade School, Haven Middle School, and Evanston Township Highschool. During his childhood years, James enjoyed swimming, basketball and running. 

After he graduated from Highschool James worked as a foreman at a factory on the Westside of Chicago. James was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching Westerns, laughing, dancing with his cousin Betty, eating, listening to sermons, walking and sharing stories about the adventures in his life. 

James was preceded in death by his parents James and Annie Mae and his brother Joe. He is survived by one daughter Tina, two sisters Rena, and Pat, two brothers, Eugene, and Zip (Florida), a sister-in-law Lenora and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

James was such a beautiful and sweet soul he is greatly missed by his family and friends.