James was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the oldest of two younger sisters (one- who also lost her life to Sarcoidosis - Sheliah Bush in 2020) and the father of two daughters, two sons and nine grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Army -honorably discharged and later found a fulfilling career in nursing. He excelled at nursing until his illness prevented him from doing so.

Sarcoidosis continues to rob too many wonderful people of their lives too soon. Please join me in honoring their great legacy by helping me to advance sarcoidosis research. With no known cause or cure, thousands continue to suffer everyday. In honor of those we lost and those who continue to fight, we will work to end the suffering from this disease.

Thank you in advance for supporting!

Best regards,

Shonda, Erica, Ebony, Tresdane and Tahmale