James was born in 1946 in the kitchen of his parents’ house in Lithonia, Georgia. He started working at age 11 in the family grocery store. Later, he worked as a postman and joined the US Marines at 18, but he was medically released a few weeks later.
After spending 18 years in sales, James found his calling in comedy at age 36 when he signed up for a stand-up show in Atlanta, Georgia. He quickly became one of the most popular comedians in the southeastern United States. Over his 41-year career, he performed worldwide for US troops on aircraft carriers and in military hospitals.
James’ three nieces, Martha Anne, Mary Jane, and Candie, who referred to him as “Uncle Bubba,” played a crucial role in caring for him during his final days and weeks.
His legacy will be further commemorated in his upcoming memoir, A Bushel of Beans and a Peck of Tomatoes: The Life and Times of ‘The Funniest Man in America’, set to be released in November.
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