James D. Wardlow, a native of Jonestown, Mississippi, was born on May 24, 1930, to the late Emmitt and Nell Wardlow. Having been led by his parents' devotion to the teachings of Christ, and with his own understanding that the love of God is paramount to life itself, James at an early age, confessed his love for the Lord and united with the Mary Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Jonestown, Mississippi. The youngest of 5 children, James was ambitious, energetic and passionate about education. He possessed a magnetic personality with a magnanimous presence; it is no wonder that James inspired many to emulate him. James graduated from Aggie High School in Coahoma County, Mississippi, and enrolled in Coahmoma Junior College, where he majored in Elementary Education. Later, he joined the U.S. Army and after two years of admirable service to his country, he returned home to complete his studies at Coahoma Junior College and later enrolled in Jackson State University. There he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. He subsequently earned his Master's Degree and Specialist Certification at Delta State University. James' life was filled with many notable moments. He was a Colonel in the U.S. Army when President Dwight D. Eisenhower integrated the Army. He was an employee of Cleveland City Schools when Bolivar County Schools were integrated as the result of a federal mandate. He lived in a time that spanned the era from the horse-drawn buggy to the excitement of the invention of the Model-T Ford automobile, from the agricultural and industrial revolutions to the present era of cell phones and pocket-held computers. James realized the magnitude and wonder of these technological advances and thanked God for the blessing of a long life well lived. He passed on to his children a deep and abiding love of the Lord, the importance of self-respect, and the role of family and how all these, in that order, comprise the keys to a good life. On July 4, 1952, James was joined in Holy Matrimony to Dorothy Armstrong. To their joyful union, three children were born: Milton, Bernita, and Vicky. The family moved to Cleveland, Mississippi, in 1956. James and Dorothy shared 60 years of marital bliss, and each was quick to describe the other as their soul mate. Their years together were marked by countless displays of their love for both their family and friends alike. James, Dorothy, and their children eventually united with the Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church where James was ordained as a deacon under the pastorate of Reverend John Matthews. The family continues to be faithful members of the church. In 1956, James was employed at the H.M. Nailor Elementary School as a 6th grade teacher. His outstanding abilities as a teacher garnered him a promotion to principal at the Bell Elementary School in Boyle, Mississippi. After working at Bell for six years, James transferred to the new Cypress park Elementary School. At retirement in 1996, after 42 years in the school system, the street circling the Cypress Park Elementary and Junior High complex was named in his honor. James continued his professional career and served as associate and instructor for the multipurpose consulting agency, Martin Associates. He worked on child development associate training contracts for numerous counties throughout the Mississippi Delta. When his alma mater, Coahoma Junior College, expanded its fulltime education services, James was selected to teach education and social-studies related courses and administered all activities for the Bolivar County Centers. James's life was filled with many notable moments. He was a Colonel in the U.S. Army when President Dwight D. Eisenhower integrated the Army. He was an employee of Cleveland City Schools when Bolivar County Schools were integrated as the result of a federal mandate. He lived in a time that spanned the era from the horse-drawn buggy to the excitement of the intervention of the Model-T automobile, from the agricultural and industrial revolutions to the present era of cell phones and pocket-held computers. James realized the magnitude and wonder of these technological advances and thanked God for the blessing of a long life well lived. He passed on to his children a deep and abiding love of the Lord, the importance of self-respect, and the role of family and how all these, in that order, comprise the key of a good life. James was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He lived for the "purple and gold." On Monday, May 6th, James reunited with his beloved Dorothy, his life-long partner, who transitioned this life on March 2, 2013. They are together again. Also joining this reunion are his parents, Emmitt and Nell Wardlow, as well as his loving and supportive stepfather, Lee Mack Simmons and his beloved son, Milton Wardlow. Also awaiting his arrival to the family reunion are his siblings: a loving sister, Earnestine Bearden, and three brothers, John, Emmitt and Edward Wardlow. James's love of people, his cool demeanor, contagious laugh, and the swagger of his walk will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy will be carried on by his three cherished, devoted, and loving daughters. James memorable words will live on: "I've lived a good life. God has blessed me with good health until he was ready for me to come home. I had a devoted wife who made certain all my earthly needs were met, devoted kids, 3 grandsons to whom I did my best to pass on a legacy of how to be a MAN! Hold your heads up, do not cry, for I have lived a beautiful life. I thank God for you, my friends, and for allowing our paths to cross. I love each and every one of you. May God bless you as I have, indeed, been blessed."