Elder Johnny James was born the first time on April 1, 1930 in Portsmouth, OH to parents John Andrew James, Sr. and Bertha Valentine James.  He has one sister, Susie Harolene James.  Reverend John A. James, Sr. a Methodist Minister was transferred to Detroit in 1932.  Raised in Detroit from the age of one, Johnny James was brought up in the way of the Apostolic Doctrine by his mother, Bertha. They attended the Apostolic Church of God in Christ Jesus under the leadership of Elder Levi Moses Miles.  Elder Johnny's sound Bible foundation began with a consistence presence in Sunday School at the church house affectionately called and known by its address '6117' (sixty-one seventeen).  His high school athletic years led to world-class competition as a Speed Skater.  Also a cyclist, Johnny made many treks across Michigan and Ohio.

Johnny James was born the second time on June 22, 1954.  His first birth gained him citizenship in the United States of America.  The second birth guarantees his citizenship in Heaven.  Under the tutelage of Elder Roland Corr, Johnny's fascination with the study of God's word took him to Aenon Bible College in Columbus, OH.  Another stand-out student at Aenon named Anna Juanita Diggs soon piqued his attention.  Dr. Johnny regularly cites, "I couldn't beat her, so I joined her!"  Johnny and Juanita married in June of 1957 & are the parents to 9 children, eight on Earth and one in Heaven.  They are also the proud and thankful grandparents of 18, and 1 great-grandchild.

In the 1960s, he attended the Detroit Bible College, as well as the Bethel School of Theology.  These years entrenched his desire towards intense Bible study.  Dr. James holds two degrees in Theology, and is an Adjunct Professor to several Bible colleges.  He has read the Bible from Genesis 1:1 through Revelations 22:21 over 40 times.  His annual commitment to read the Bible 'through and through' has manifested a masterful ability to quote the Bible – book, chapter, and verse, earning him the title 'The Walking Bible'.  His love for and knowledge of Hermeneutics has enabled him to preach, lecture, debate, and teach numerous times in each of the 50 states.  His ministry has also taken him to countries abroad, including The United Kingdom, Australia, the Caribbean, and Canada.

Dr. Johnny James adamantly declares that his Object, Subject, and Project are Jesus Christ.  He has also been know to proclaim that "Until you've seen Jesus, you ain't seen nothing worth looking at!"

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 20. 2022 at 1 p.m. in Greater Grace Temple.

livestream…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0sNFcqMBpg