Deacon Melvin James Jr., was born to the union of the late Deacon Melvin James, Sr. and the late Gladys Esther Lee McCovery James on May 23, 1956 and departed this life on February 14, 2025. 

Deacon James was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tamika Renee James.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of almost 49 years, Donzella McKeller James; 4 devoted children, Carminita (Virgil) Wilson, Melvin (Monique) James, III, Kelvin (Brendia) James, and Jeremy James; 2 adopted children, Shurodrick (Lola) Watters & Jennifer James; 12 grandchildren, CreShonda Wilson-Dean, Takaya (Hunter) Walker, Jordyn Wilson, Logan James, Madison James, Karmyn Wilson, Landon Watters, Riley James, Carissa Horn, Javon Wilson, Jeremiah Curtis, and Megan James; two great-granddaughters, Tamika Walker and Londyn Taylor; 4 sisters, Quedell (Calvin) Houston, Catherine Sullivan, Glona Stanton, and Valerie (Kevin) Williams; 5 brothers, Aaron (Willie Mae) James, Alonzo James, Newton (Vera) James, Aungrey James, and Uranus (Pamela) James; 5 sisters-in-law, Pearlie Mitchell, Tensie (Lavelle) Evans, Dale Williams, Violenette (Reginald) Patrick, and April McKeller; 2 brothers-in-law, John McKeller Jr. and Garry McKeller; 2 goddaughters, Natasha Frowner and Arkeya

Mitchell; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.