James Arthur Rousseau, II departed this life on July 26, 2026. He was born July 16, 1940 in Adah, PA to the late Nettie Rousseau Smith and James Arthur Rousseau. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine R. Rorie.

He was a graduate of Atkins High School (class of 1958), received his BS Degree from Knoxville College (class of 1962), MS Degree from North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University, Ed.S Degree from Appalachian State University and Doctoral studies at Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University.

James began his career as a Science Teacher in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. He later served as Principal of Philo Junior High and Paisley High School prior to assuming the position of Vice President of Community Relations & Development at Forsyth Technical Community College until his retirement in 2002.

James professional and community affiliations include: Membership on the Forsyth Court Volunteer and Family Services boards, serving as president of the NC Chapter of Southern Regional Council on Black American Affairs; Chairman of NC Cooperative Extension Advisory Board; Executive Committee of North Carolina Association of Institutional Research; Advisory Board NC Chapter American Association of Women in Community and Junior Colleges; President of the Council of Resource Development; Crosby Scholars Advisor; Executive Board of Winston Lake YMCA; Advisory Board for the Academy for Community College Leadership Advancement, Innovation and Modeling; Triad Park Planning Commission; NWNC American Red Cross Board.

He served on the Advisory Board of the Poor and Needy Trust of Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust; Novant Health Triad Regional Board of Trustees; NC Diversity Consortium; City/County Planning Board of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County; Winston-Salem Work Force Development Board. He was appointed to the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem and served as Chairman for eight years. His most recent appointment was to the Board of Directors of Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community.

James was a life member and past Basileus of the Psi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and past president of Social Promoters Club, Inc. He was an active and faithful member of Grace Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder and member of the Chancel Choir.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Edwards Rousseau; son, James Arthur Rousseau, III; daughter, Inge Rousseau Anderson (Timothy); 6 grandchildren; sister, Nettie R. Dixon; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Grace Presbyterian Church. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:30am on Saturday at the Church. The Omega Omega Service of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will be held at 10:00am on Saturday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, 3901 Carver School Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.