James was born in Red Branch Community, Trinity, Texas to the late Lacy B. Moten and Mary Lee Massey Moten. A star athlete , James graduated from Dunbar High School in 1957. He was a faithful member of Broyles Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for more than forty years. A truck driver, James retired from A & R Freight after twenty five years. He was also employed a number of years with TDCJ. James enjoyed fishing, playing dominoes and just simply making others smile. He will be truly missed. Services celebrating his life were held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Enterprise Tabernacle, Oakhurst,Texas. Rev. Ron L. Davis delivered the eulogy. Burial followed in the Pat Henry Cemetery. James is survived by his wife: Mrs. Mary Virginia Moten; five daughters: Truscenia (Tena) Garrett, Felicia Moten, Sandra Moten Dixon, Towanda Moten and Kimberly Moten-Johnson; two sons: Michael Moten and Ronnie Davis; 18 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 1 God-daughter and a host of nieces,nephews, cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.