James William Harrell II was born August 6, 1976 in Southfield, Michigan to James and Helen Harrell. He was the baby of 5 children of a blended family. His parents, and siblings, Gregory and Debra all preceded him in death and only Anthony and Kimberly remain. James was a bright young man whose primary education was in Detroit Public Schools and high school education in the Southfield school district. He was extremely close to his mother and beloved oldest sister, "Debbie” and to his family, he was known as "Jamie." Early in adulthood, James had a daughter Jamilah, then later, he had two children, Omar and Nadia by his partner of many years, Wendy. In 2018, he welcomed the newest addition to his family, baby Kennedi. James had many jobs but cooking was his main skill. He was trained in lock-smithing & heating and cooling, but worked many years as a cook in popular restaurants and became an expert in the kitchen. He loved geography and discussing music with his closest associates. More than that, he loved his children and always wanted the best for each of them. He always had plans of getting himself together so he could become the person he desired to be and often shared these goals with the loved ones around him. James was never satisfied with where he was, and always strove to find peace. His journey on Earth ended on October 10, 2020, where peace finally found him. He leaves to cherish his memories, his four children, Jamilah, Nadia, Omar and KennedI, his brother and sister, Anthony and Kim. His cousins, Penny, Torri and Derrick, their children and his nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and associates. We will mourn and remember our Jamie because we know that he tried his best in life and because he did, we will too.