Known to some as Motor City, as Bubba to family and James to all. An only child, born July 13th, 1954, James spent  his formative years in Alabama, Frisco city to be exact near Mobile. Growing up in church James knew the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age. Being brought up in a tight-knit spiritual family, molded him to value and cherish close relationships. This is something that James would carry with him all of his days and instill in his children. An appreciation for mental toughness and hard work was imminent, exhibited by his mom , Mary Walden, who worked tirelessly as a housekeeper. This would be the second key factor in shaping him into the man he became.

With strong  family values and work ethic James migrated his way north stopping through Struthers, Ohio eventually landing in the Motor City, Detroit, Michigan. Here James and his mom settled. He completed high school and worked awhile at the Ford Motor Company.

Picture Detroit, in the 1970’s, a young James , a smooth operator,  living his best life. He met his main squeeze and only bride, Elaine (“Laine” as he would call her). The young couple went on to relocate from Detroit to Youngstown, Ohio. James obtained a Commercial Driver License (CDL). With this he became a professional truck driver and for the next 40 years drove both local and over the road.

James and Elaine raised 4 children, (D, Krystal, Sherry, & James ll ). The family moved from Youngstown to Canton, Ohio in the late 80’s as James sought better opportunities. Once the children were grown James and Elaine began traveling , cruising the Caribbean and enjoying their grandchildren. James’ greatest joy was being able to fellowship with his children and grandchildren. There was not one ending to a family gathering where he didn’t tell them “ I really enjoyed you.”

Throughout the years James developed a love for cars, fast, slow, old and new.  He would buy them, work on them and even finish working on some of them, the rest, well you know, became the bane of his wife’s existence and the brunt of many jokes from his children. So many jokes!

There was something about James, his energy, spirit, charisma, smile that was infectious. He had a way to make people feel special. Embracing those strong family values he was known to always keep up with folk. Whether it’s 2nd ,3rd, 4th, 5th generation cousins, friends, aunts, uncles,  in-laws, or colleagues James always took the time to reach out  to people and offer a kind word .

His faith and strength would carry him through the years as James fought cancer and won, rebounded from heart complications and continued to work until retirement in 2020. He and Elaine began to embark on a new chapter. James was elated to be able to spend more time with his children and grandchildren. On January 10th, 2022 James made a peaceful transition with his partner of 41 years Elaine, and children by his side.

James was preceded in death by his daughter Krystal J in 2019.  He leaves to cherish his legacy: Wife, Elaine; Children, D (Kevin), Sherry, and James (Chanel); Son- in-law , Paul; Grandchildren, Taylor, Kevin Jr, Sydnee, Niyah, Alaiah, Issac, Craig Jr, Anias, Izayah, Jaylon, Avah, and James  III; Great grandchildren, Kaden, Kaylani , and Kaleia.