As we honor the extraordinary life of a James Leroy Kendrick, Jr., a man who exemplified the virtues of service, leadership, and love. It is difficult to encapsulate the legacy of someone as remarkable as James, for he was not just a man; he was a force of nature, a guiding light, and an unwavering pillar in the lives of so many.

James was born on November 13, 1942, in the small rural town of Jewell, Georgia as the first child of James Leroy Kendrick, Sr. and Velma Ingram Kendrick Lee. James carried with him the values instilled by his humble beginnings: hard work, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to community. These principles would shape his life and become the foundation of the tremendous impact he would have on the world around him. As a boy on the family farm, James was a leader amongst his friends and family peers as leadership came to him naturally. His marriage to Mildred Nipper Kendrick (Mikki) was the foundation of all that others could see. She was his primary advisor until the day of his death and was vital in every significant decision that was made for the family and the business that he owned. Through their 58-year love story grew a partnership that provided him the roadmap to accomplish all the things that he was able to accomplish. Whether through her early work with him at the business or her own ability to work, raise the children and keep their home in order, Mikki was his secret weapon and the fuel for most of his success. James’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. At an early age, he joined and was baptized at Trinity CME Church in Jewell. His commitment to his first church was evident by his frequent visits and continued support to the church and its members. He later joined Williams Memorial CME Church in Augusta and as a devoted member, he continued to find strength, solace, and inspiration in his relationship with God. His faith was not confined to the pews of the church—it was lived out in his actions, in his generosity, and in the way he treated everyone he met with kindness and respect. As a member of Williams Memorial for over 50 years, he has served and led as a trustee, steward and through a host of other positions.

When James arrived in Augusta in 1963, he brought with him not only his ambitions but also a heart determined to uplift others. He believed in nurturing the next generation of leaders, and his mentorship was a gift to countless individuals. Whether it was guiding a young entrepreneur, inspiring a struggling student, or offering words of wisdom to a colleague, James poured his heart into empowering others. He understood that his legacy would not be built on the titles he held or the awards he received, but on the lives he touched and the seeds of hope he planted. He believed in the potential of those around him and worked tirelessly to provide avenues for others to realize their own dreams. Hundreds of people in the community have worked under his hand and had the advantage of calling him a mentor. His professional endeavors were nothing short of exemplary. As the president of Augusta Blueprint & Microfilm, Inc., and later the founder of Creative Colors, Inc., James built businesses that were more than enterprises—they were opportunities. Affectionately and respectfully called “Mr. K” by employees and others, he provided opportunities for employment, mentorship, and growth to hundreds of people for over 50 years. In 1984, Augusta Blueprint was recognized at the White House as “Minority Retail Business of the Year” and Creative Colors, Inc. was a pioneering business within the Georgia Lottery as it was the largest vendor for the lottery for over a decade. But James’s work extended far beyond the boardroom. His heart was woven into the fabric of this community. He served with distinction on numerous boards and organizations, from the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Chair, to the Richmond County Department of Family and Children Services, where he brought compassion and leadership to those in need. His work early in his career with the Augusta Jaycees, where he was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership Award, demonstrated his ability to inspire collective action and achieve remarkable goals. As Chair of the CSRA Business League and a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Welfare Reform, he championed initiatives that strengthened families, supported small businesses, and elevated communities. James did not just serve; he led with purpose, with passion, and with a profound belief in the power of unity. James understood that true leadership is not about power but about service—serving the community, serving those less fortunate, and serving as a beacon of hope. He was a man of extraordinary vision, boundless generosity, and unshakable resolve. He was a leader who led not with words but with deeds, a mentor who lifted others as he climbed, and a friend who saw the best in everyone. Though we mourn the loss of his physical presence, we are comforted by the enduring legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of love, service, and hope. As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, let us honor his memory by living as he did—with courage, with compassion, and with a commitment to making the world a better place. Let us strive to embody the qualities that defined his life: a servant’s heart, a leader’s vision, and a mentor’s grace.

James, your work here is done, but your light will never fade. Your spirit lives on in the lives you touched, the community you built, and the love you shared. May you rest in eternal peace, knowing that you have truly made a difference. He has left to mourn his death, His loving wife Mildred Nipper Kendrick, Augusta Georgia, Daughters – Chandra Kendrick of Silver Spring, MD, Audrey Kendrick of Tryon,
NC, Son, Steven B. Kendrick (Pamela) of Augusta, Georgia, Daughter, Kelli L. Kendrick of Augusta, Georgia, Sister, Stella L. Kendrick of Sparta, Georgia, Granddaughters Kiwah Kendrick of Alexandria, VA, Alexandria Kendrick and Leigha Kendrick both of Augusta,
Georgia.

Public visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025, from 4:00PM to 6:00PM and the Connecting Link Memorial Service from 5:30PM to 6:30PM at Williams Memorial CME Church, 1630 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00AM at Paine College Gilbert Lambuth Chapel, 1200 Druid Park Avenue, Augusta, GA with Reverend T. Chris Johnson, officiating. The remains will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Trinity Church Cemetery, 22571 GA Hwy 16, 31087. Services will be live streamed on W.H. Mays Mortuary Facebook homepage.

W.H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901 (706)722-6401