James Owens was born on May 8, 1917 in Grays, South Carolina to Alford and Carrie Owens. He received his early childhood education in the public school system there. His sister, Rethera Horton and brother, Alford Owens, Jr. preceded him in death.

James was a construction worker by trade and continued in that field until the age of 70. He loved to go fishing and every time someone would call him to go he was on his way! His love of porgies was just too much. Fish and grits was his weekend meal for breakfast and dinner.

James met his wife, Juanita, on the dance floor and they have been together for more than 36 years. They spent 29 of those years as best friends, husband and wife, and loved each other very much. He took ill in 2011 but he was a happy go lucky person and loved to drink his cold orange soda while he watched his wresting program, W.W.E. Raw, four nights a week. James also loved to dance and play fight with his mother-in-law, Berthina.

James loved to talk on the phone to cousin Sam because Sam would always prank call him and say that he was looking for a person to work for him, and played a nice joke on James. He loved talking to his family spread over the east coast in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and New York. James loved then all and went to see them as long as he was able.

He loved being a father and grandfather to Daquan because he was born to not only Chrissy, but James and Juanita as well and therefore he was a happy father again for nine years. Then they let their daughter Debra adopt him with all their love.

Sadly three of their children, Beatrice , Debra and Michael preceded James in death.

Left to cherish James’ memory are his wife, Juanita; children, James Jr., Sylvester, and Eddie, all of Brooklyn, NY and Leonard of Fayetteville, NC; 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 23 great-great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.