Kenneth B. James, 61, passed on Thursday, August 29, 2024 in Phenix City, AL.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 4, 2024 at Macedonia Baptist Church located at 342 Oswichee Rd in Seale, AL with Rev. Lawrence Stephens, pastor officiating. Burial to follow in Sunset Cemetery. Public viewing is 2:00-5:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Kenneth B. James, son of the late Mr. Freddie and Mrs. Willie Lee James, was born March 29, 1963 in Muscogee County, Georgia. He was raised in an area of Fort Mitchell, Alabama affectionately called “The Loop”.

Kenneth accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Seale, AL. He was a 1980 graduate of Mount Olive High School (Ft. Mitchell, AL), where he was a proud percussionist of the High Stepping MOHS Tigers Marching Band. In 1978, he met his future wife Gladys Walton who he united in holy matrimony on September 30, 1988. Kenneth and Gladys were joyfully married for 35 years and in 1993, his pride and joy, Dr. Shuntavia N. James was born.

In addition to graduating from Mount Olive High School, he secured an Auto Body Repair and Refinishing Diploma from Columbus Technical College. He used this diploma to become the owner/CEO of Ken’s Body Works L.L.C. while simultaneously maintaining his career at with Mead Coated Board for over 26 years of service.

Kenneth was a family man and loved spending time with his family and friends, whether it was watching sporting events, a family gathering or cooking on the grill. Kenneth was known for his booming voice, infectious laugh, and generosity to others.

On Thursday August 29, 2024, he transitioned peacefully at home in Phenix City, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his father Freddie Lee James, mother Willie Lee James, mother-in-law Katie Mae Hampton and daughter Abril Vanece James.

Left to cherish his life and memories are his devoted wife Gladys, loving daughter Shuntavia; three brothers: Willie Horace (Glory) of Tampa, Florida; Gregory James (Cheryl) of Seale, AL; Rory James of Atlanta, GA; two sisters: Elizabeth Parks (Cornelius) of Phenix City, AL; and Kimberly Davis (Marvin) of Atlanta, GA.; a father-in-law, Lee Hampton; two aunts: Mary Jordan and Addie James; a sister-in-law: Alvera Browder (Jesse); a brother-in-law: Hearker Hampton (Connie), a bonus son, Ossie Thebaud and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.