Charles W. James was born May 14, 1933 in Daingerfield, Texas to the parentage of Aaron and Lola James.  He attended St. James United Methodist Church, built and organized by his late grandfather Jesse James.  At an early age, Charles' parents moved the family to Dallas, Texas.  He graduated from high school at Booker T. Washington in Dallas.

Charles honorably served his country as a soldier during the Korean War.  During his tour of duty in Korea, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation; the Korean Service Medal (with 4 Bronze Service Stars); the United Nations Service Medal (Korea); and the National Defense Service Medal.

On September 27, 2018, Charles joined family members that preceded him in death; his parents; his wife of 48 years, Mrs. Marion James; three sons, Leonard Charles, Charles Ray and Eric Charles; one granddaughter, Tamara Potts; five sisters, Sedalia Hood, Savannah Everett, Ophelia Johnson, Marie Washington and Mildred Green; five brothers, Thomas James, Albert James, Homer James, Goree James and Aaron W. James.

He leaves to cherish his memories; one daughter, Debra Houston (Darrin); four sons, Charles E. James (Patricia), Michael James (Holly), Ronnie James and Jesse James (LaToya); one brother, Earnest James (Jo Vern); 19 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.