James Orie Lee Wilkes was born to Billy Joe & Roxan Lee Wilkes on March 18, 1987, in

Memphis, TN., he passed away peacefully in his hometown of Memphis, TN, on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the age of 34 years, 10 months, and 25 days.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Roxan Lee Wilkes, on November 4, 2004.

His fraternal grandparents Bill L. Wilkes & Betty J. Wilkes, his maternal grandparents Frank E. Witherell Sr. & Deloris Witherell, and grandmother Barbara J. Owens.

James is survived by 1 son Orie L. Wilkes and one daughter Roxie J. Wilkes.

His father, Billy J. Wilkes, and Stepmother Debra J. Wilkes of Bartlett, TN.

He is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Jesca J & (Daniel J.) Johnson, and 1 Nephew: Atticus J. Johnson and 3 Nieces: Willamina P. Johnson, Cora I. Johnson & Quinn L. Johnson of Nashville, TN.

Stepsister Jenna M. Hutchinson and nephews Everett A. Hutchinson & Benjamin K. Hutchinson of Bartlett, TN.

Stepsister and Brother-in-law Sarah M. Collie & (Eric Collie) and nephews Landon L. Collie and Maverick G. Collie of Bartlett, TN. His extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews held an extraordinary place in his heart and everyday life.

James graduated from Bartlett Highschool in 2005 and then earned his Associate of Science degree in Business in 2016 from Southwest Tennessee Community College. He had many dreams for the future, including music, accounting, music business, and spending as much time as possible with his children. James loved the Lord, but a hard life often found him between a rock and a hard place. Despite his struggles, he always knew how to see God's plan for his life. James had a life full of hills and valleys, but James always found his way back to the Lord.

He was a son, a brother, a father, and a friend. His life was full of love and amazing friendships. He quickly became your favorite person with his booming voice and larger-than-life personality when he walked into a room. He loved his kids and loved telling everyone about them. He loved spending time with his kids, family, and friends. James loved-loved-loved music. Starting right out of high school, he wrote music, recorded music, and shared his music. He was a natural songwriter and singer. His band 'Remain The Same" shared some fantastic memories together.

Romans 3:23-24 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."