Stanley Leroy Augustus James was born on October 30, 1948, to his proud parents, Sumpter James, Jr. and Marybelle V. James at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical College (FAMC) Hospital in Tallahassee, Florida during FAMC’s Homecoming Game. His timing to come into the world on this momentous day earned him the enduring moniker, “Homecoming Baby” by family and friends. 

 

Preceding Stanley in death were his parents, Sumpter A. James, Jr. and Marybelle James; his brother, Sumpter A. James III; uncles and aunt, James Putnal, Andrew and Lorita James Martin; and

friend/brother, Timothy McCray.

 

Stanley accepted Christ as his Savior earlier in life. He received his spiritual training at both Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church and Damascus Missionary Baptist Church. 

 

Stanley grew up in Madison, Florida. He was one of thirty African American students who bravely desegregated Madison High School and one of the three seniors to graduate in the inaugural class – the Class of 1966. His classmates at Madison County Training School regarded the three as their honorary classmates. Stanley was also a graduate of Florida A & M University and briefly attended the University of Florida – College of Law.

 

Stanley was a dedicated public servant with the State of Florida. His career afforded him a myriad of opportunities for advancement with numerous departments, including the Departments of Administration, HRS, Corrections and Transportation in Human Resources, and Management Operations. Stanley concluded his employment career at North East Florida State Hospital (NEFSH).

 

One of Stanley’s proudest professional accomplishments was the recognition he received from Florida’s Governor Bob Graham for assisting with the establishment of the Department of Transportation’s Minority Business Enterprise Initiative (MBE) as well as his service to North East Florida State Hospital.

 

As a businessman, Stanley served briefly as President of Systematic Construction Company. He then worked diligently with the Suwanee River Junior College committee, especially with Dr. Andrea Howard Oliver, in acquiring historical recognition and distinction of the African American Junior College located in Madison, Florida, with the placement of a Historical Marker from the State of Florida.

 

Stanley loved God, family, FAMU Rattlers Football, jazz, Black History, and fishing at Cherry Lake, Lake George, Ocean Pond and especially Lake Okeechobee. 

 

In the early morning hour on Sunday, April 28, 2024, Stanley Leroy Augustus James heard the Master whisper his name. Then, in a moment and in the twinkling of an eye, he peacefully transitioned from earthly labor to receive his Heavenly reward.

 

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Treasuring Stanley Leroy Augustus James’ cherished and beloved memories are his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Audrey Rolle James; daughters: Sonya Jackson and Aquarius F. James; sons: Cornell A. Willis, Cordell A. (Kristin) Willis, Mac B. James; grandsons: Raymond III, Ashton, and Achai Coles; sisters: Melba J. McCarty, Geraldine J. Nelson, Sharon J. Postell; special cousins, Andrea Martin, Julius Hodges; other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws; special lifelong friends: Willie Brannon, Inez W. Bennett, Christine McKinney, Oliver Gross, Jr. and the Class of 1966; together with many others whose lives he impacted.