JAMES E. MILES, SR. was born to Marion Miles Harris and James Elmer Henry on June 11, 1925. He is a native born Philadelphian and spent many of his formative years in West Philadelphia's 700 block of 46th St. (where Ward A.M.E church was formerly located).

He remained in West Philadelphia for more than 80 years, having lived at several other locations, then finally at 46th and Brown Street, where he could be found in his final days, sitting out on the porch enjoying the breeze with his faithful cat Snarky.

James received his formal education at Martha Washington Elementary School, Sulzberger Middle School, and Overbrook High School, all of which are located in West Philadelphia.

He served his country as a member of the US Army for 2 1/2 years during World War II and was involved in operations in France and Germany. Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1943 he joined the Army Reserves, and served there 20 years until he retired as a sergeant major.

As a civilian, he spent his career working as an Administrative Officer for Region II of the Federal Government: Department of Justice, Signal Corps, Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Labor. After 35 years, he retired with commendations from the government and became self-employed doing home repairs and remodeling with his good friends, Norman Brown and Louis Stukes.

James was an active member at his home church Ward A.M.E., where he participated in the youth programs as a teen and developed a close friendship with Mary E. Gethers in the 1940s. They continued to grow together in the church and married in 1947. Through their marriage of 76 years, they have been blessed with two children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

James's Christian experiences at Ward A.M.E included the Sunday School, Young Adult Choir, Young Men's Club, Senior Choir (now Chancel Choir), Men's Fellowship, Male Chorus, Class Leaders, and the Finance Committee.

James's favorite scripture was I Corinthians 13:31 "and now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

In celebration of his life, James leaves his wife, Mary; daughter, Janet (Bill); son, James Jr.; grandsons, John Earl (Shannon) and Edwin (Tyraia); granddaughters Shana, Marian, and Sonati; his sister, Yasmin; and a host of sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

MAY HIS RICH LEGACY LIVE ON IN US ALL.