James Fredrick Long was born in Waskom, Texas on February 28, 1935 to the parentage of Vervis and Roberta Long.

At an early age, James was united in Christ and baptized at Union Chapel Baptist Church where he served for many years as a Sunday School teacher.

James graduated from Central High School in Waskom, Texas and later attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.

He then moved to Sacramento, California and was drafted into the U. S. Army where he was stationed at Ft. Braggs in North Carolina.

Upon returning to California, he met and married his wife, Will Augusta Lee, affectionately known as "Babs". To this union two children were born, Micheal and Michelle. James worked and retired from the State of California, Department of Corrections.

After retirement, he moved to Dallas to be closer to his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vervis and Roberta Long, Will Augusta Lee, and one nephew, Courtney Crawford.

His cherished memories will forever be with his beloved children, Michael and Michelle. His precious and loving sisters, Gloria Flanagan, Wanda L. Wright, and Linda L. Crawford. Aunt, Wilma Powell, two God- Daughters, LaTanya Thompson Woods and LaToya Thompson Turner,5 nephews, Grady Lee Flanagan (Alma), Chris Flanagan (Diane), Dale Flanagan, Victor Wright (Monica), 5 great nieces and 2 great nephews and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.