James "J-Mike" Michael Dunovant, Jr. was born May 24, 1973 in Fort Meade, Maryland to the late James Michael Dunovant Sr. and Judy Williams Dunovant. As child, he attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Upon graduation, he took classes at Forsyth Technical Community College. "Michael", as most people called him, loved to draw, create airbrush art, and design tattoos for his many clients. When he wasn't making art, he was designing and reconstructing drones for his leisure.

As a child he attended Saint Benedict the Moor Catholic Church along with his mom, brother, sister, and grandmother. While at Saint Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, he took religious classes for children and once completed, he received the Sacrament of Communion in 1979.

Throughout his adult life he enjoyed all genres of music, especially Hip-Hop. His favorite rapper of all time was the late great Tupac Shakur. He even made some of his own music and played instruments such as the keyboard and guitar. Additionally, he was a great chef and enjoyed trying new foods. He was a dedicated cook and team member at Heffsburger Club located in downtown Winston-Salem.

He departed this life peacefully on Monday, September 16, 2024, at his home.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Michael Dunovant, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Essie W. Williams and George W. "Jelly" Williams Jr.; paternal grandparents, Marion Dunovant and Gwendolyn H. Dunovant; four uncles, Harvey Williams (Rosetta), Jimmel Williams (Lorraine), Conrad Williams formerly of the city, and Tonny Williams (Janet) formerly of Texas; and one aunt, Irma Dean Wood (Alton) formerly of the city.

He is survived by his daughter, Azsa Dunovant Alvarado (Luis) of Charlotte, NC; his mother, Judy W. Dunovant of the city; two siblings, Shawn L. Dunovant Sr. (Talayia) of the city and April N. Dunovant of Greensboro, NC; four uncles, Paul D. Williams (Marilynn) of the city, Terry L. Williams (Alesia) of Clinton, Maryland, Vincent G. Dunovant (Stephanie), and Walter Dunovant (Juanita) of Columbus, Georgia; one niece, Autumn N. Dunovant; one nephew, Shawn L. Dunovant, Jr. of the city; his devoted girlfriend, Emily Smith of the city; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Michael was a true gem, and he will be truly missed.

Memorial services will be held at 2:30pm Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 2:00pm until 2:30pm on Saturday at the Chapel.