Milton James

Milton James, son of the late Marvin and Flora Bell Clay James, was born May 16, 1963, in Akron, OH. His family moved to Duck Hill, MS and he accepted Christ at Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

He received his education from Duck Hill High School and graduated in 1981. While in high school, Milton played basketball and loved art. After high school, Milton furthered his education by attending Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS. It was there at “the Valley” that he joined the Delta Phi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

Milton also enlisted in the United States Army in 1984 and was honorably discharged in 1987, after which, he returned to Duck Hill, MS and began working at Georgia Pacific but had to resign after a severe injury that left him a quadriplegic in 1993. This condition did not hinder Milton from doing anything that he wanted to do. After his accident, his doctor told him that most people suffering from similar injuries only lived for up to eight years afterwards. However, Milton lived for 29 more years – 21 years longer than the expectancy. He was a warrior, fighter, and role model to many.

In 1994, with his determination as his driving force, Milton embarked on a new educational journey and enrolled at the University of Mississippi – majoring in Management Information Systems. He was eager to get back to the work of his beloved fraternity and therefore joined the Eta Lambda Sigma Chapter.  He proudly graduated from Ole Miss in 1999 and began working at CoreLogic, Inc. as a Customer Service Representative and remained there until his death. He was known to all as a “Bright Light.”

Milton joined Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized under the leadership of Dr. Alfred Hall, II. He active in his prayer group, attended Sunday school and Bible study, and remained an active member until his death. He was always one of the first ones to arrive on Sunday mornings to hear the word of God. Milton loved his Pastor, church, and church family.

In his spare time, Milton enjoyed listening to music in his studio that he created, keeping up with his grandchildren, visiting loved ones, fishing, barbecuing, and hanging out with his dog, Axel.

On Friday, March 4, 2022, Milton traded his earthly life for life everlasting with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His loving smile and warm spirit will be missed by all that knew him. Left to mourn his death yet cherish his memories are his daughters, Nakesha (Tyron) Butler of Memphis, TN, Starlette James of Oxford, MS, and Tiffanie Adams of Horn Lake, MS; three grandchildren, Aubrey Lauderdale, Austin Butler, and Ty Butler all of Memphis, TN; two sisters, Cathy Clay-Johnson and Charlene Clay both of Arizona; one brother Erma B. Weir; fur baby, Axel; brothers of the Eta Lambda Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated; sisters of the Mu Chi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; CoreLogic work family; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, LQ James.