James Flemming was initially born as Jimmy Lee Chambers Jr on August 14, 1947, to Jimmy and Evelyn Chambers in Phenix City, Alabama. He was raised from his early years and eventually adopted by his paternal grandparents Joseph and Cora Lee Flemming in Ensley, Alabama. He attended school at Holy Family Academy in Birmingham, Alabama, where he graduated in May 1965. He attended church at Morningstar Christian Church and was baptized as a young boy. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for four years, including two years in active combat duty in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he returned to Alabama and attended school at Alabama A&M University, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc on April 17, 1971. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He also met his future wife Kathryn there, and they were married on August 14th, 1971- which was his birthday. James graduated in 1972 and took an accounting job which led him to live in various cities across the country to settle in the Kansas City, Missouri area where he worked for Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Missouri advancing to Director of Audits in Missouri, Georgia, Texas & New Mexico as well as the Midwest region As he traveled to other states to direct the auditing teams, he became a Servant /Leader in local churches. He received his Master's Degree in Accounting from the University of Central Missouri. They were blessed with one son, Eric. During his time in ministry he served as Deacon, Co-Chairman of Elders, Director of Sunday School, Director of Worship, choir/ choir president, Family Care and Marriage Ministries.

James enjoyed all sports and especially golf, basketball, and football. He also was an avid runner and participated in extensive community service through the organizations he worked for, was a part of, and served in. He even served as coach of his son's football team in his early years.

He was preceded in death by his biological parents and grandparents. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife of 53 years, Kathryn, his son, Eric,

Five Sisters - in- Love: Debra(Larry) Fluellen, Louisville, KY, Sherryl Borders, Harvest, Alabama, Valerie(Ray) Hazel Green, Alabama, Cynthia(Michael) Birmingham, Alabama and Sharon Primm, Nashville, Tennessee; Three Brothers-in-Love: Robert(Constance) Borders, Isaac Borders, Atlanta, Georgia, and Michael Borders, Jackson, Georgia, Very Special friends- Reverend Dr. Carl Johnson and Minister Helen Johnson and family, San Antonio, Texas, Nieces, Nephews, Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dion Thames, other family members and special friends.