James Lee Howard was born on June 13, 1947 in Boyle, MS to Pinkie Mae Howard and the late Clarence Howard Sr. He confessed a belief in Christ at an early age at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was educated in the Coahoma County and West Bolivar School District. James worked in the cotton gin in Cleveland, MS and picking oranges in Florida. After returning James later moved to Chicago, IL to worked P and H Platen Co. for 25 years util the company close then he began working as a security guard for metropolitan area of Chicago, IL. While living in Chicago, IL he was a member of the Sunrise church under leadership of Rev. E.T. Story.