James January was born August 15, 1925 in Camden, Alabama to Isabella King. He was reared by his maternal grandmother in the Washington, DC area.

"Mr. January", as he was affectionately called, was educated in the Washington, DC public schools. He joined the United States Air Force at an early age and retired after 24 years of honorable service. He was the recipient of many medals for acts of valor.

After retiring from the military, Mr. January worked for 20 years with the Department of the Army. He had many great stories of his experiences and adventures during those years.

During his years in Washington, DC, Mr. January was a faithful member of the Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church. He held many offices and especially enjoyed working with their annual Crab Fest.

Mr. January married Jacqueline McCoy and they relocated to Winston-Salem, NC in 2006 where they resided until his untimely death.

He attended Saints Home United Methodist Church where his wife is a faithful member. He enjoyed attending services and interacting with church members whom he considered all "friends."

Mr. January leaves to mourn his loss his devoted wife, Jacqueline McCoy January of the home; one sister, Millie Powell of Washington, DC; three stepchildren; four step-grandchildren; fourteen nieces and nephews; and a host of grand nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. January lived a long and adventurous life. His smile and his storytelling will be missed by all who knew him. "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened….."

Homegoing services will be held at 11am Monday, November 25, 2013 at Saints Home United Methodist Church with Rev. Ronnie E. Roseboro officiating. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11am on Monday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saints Home UMC in the name of the January Memorial.