James leaves his daughter, Lisa (Grandison)Little, son-in-law, Henry Little Jr and his grandchildren, Liann Little; Henry Little III and Noah Little; former spouse, Margaret Grandison (he affectionately called Bonnie),along with numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in glory are; his parents Emmett and Marie, his sisters; Ella Tynes, Edna Grandison, Alma Rose Edwards, Stella Picott, Pauline Love andGeorgie Hamilton, brothers Emmett, Bernard and Charles.

In his early years, James attended Isle of Wright County High School, in Smithfield, Va, where he played football. He left high school to join the Marines during the Korean War. He served as a sergeant in the Marines from July 8, 1953 and was honorable discharged July 7,1957.
After the service James moved to New York City. He became reacquainted with Margaret Edwards, also from Smithfield, Va and was married February 6, 1960. James had a wonderful singing voice and had a singing group that sang around clubs in NYC and Harlem. Once, when Johnny Mathis performed at Madison Square Garden, James had the honor to sing backup.

James and Bonnie (Margaret)moved from NYC to Jersey City and had one child, Lisa Ann Grandison, August 10, 1962. James loved being a dad and was great at it. He would work all night, come home, take a nap, get up and bathe and take his daughter out to the park, amusement park or shopping. He also liked to watch soap operas and enjoyed "As The World Turns". He even named his daughter after one of the characters on the soap! James worked for the United States Postal Office and then worked many years as a Freight Conductor for the United States Railroad until his retirement. He was avid sports fan. James loved boxing and would sit with his daughter and watch all the famous fights, especially when Muhammad Ali fought. His favorite sport was football and his team was the New York Giants. He loved his grandchildren and took all three of them for "granddad" weekends, which gave their parents a much needed break!

When James began facing health challenges, he was moved closer to his daughter and family in South Jersey, September 2014. His enjoyment was music and he especially loved going for a ride in the car. He participated in activities and the senior facility. He will be laid to rest at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared @adamsstiefelfuneralhome.com