Courtney K. James walked into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 13, 2019, at the age of 33.

Born on June 20, 1986, in Lexington, Mississippi. Courtney, along with his three siblings moved to Texas with his parents, Jeannie and J.B. James on Thanksgiving Day 1989.

Courtney attended public school in the Garland Independent School District. He so enjoyed his fifth-grade class field trip to Sky Ranch while he was a student at Club Hill Elementary. He also attended Brandenburg Middle School and South Garland High School.

In 1994, Courtney, along with his mother and siblings, joined St. Mark Baptist Church in Garland. There he accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized by the founding pastor, Dr. Roosevelt Griffin. As a youth growing up at St. Mark, Courtney sang in the Inspirational Choir, the inaugural MLK City Wide Choir and always participated in the church's programs and activities. Every Summer he looked forward to great fun and fellowship during Vacation Bible School. Throughout his life here on Earth, Courtney always made time to acknowledge the presence of God in his life, his provisions and always thanked Him for "another blessed day above ground."

Courtney was unique and talented in so many ways. During his teen years, he developed a passion for music, in particular, Hip Hop and Rapp music. He wrote many poems of love to his mom, his "LadyBug" as he affectionally called her, and songs to express his emotions and views regarding the social ill of society. He became known as "King Lean" to his many followers and friends.

Courtney had an exceptional spirit of love and expressed it freely and deeply, especially to his family. Every greeting and departure was met with his infectious smile, a big bear hug and "I love you." Along with the title role of son, brother and grandson, one of Courtney's proudest roles was "Uncle". He loved his nieces and nephews. He was the best uncle to Jasmine, Cameron, Leland, Brendan, and Layla. He had a special bond with his nephew, Cameron. When he could, Courtney was present to cheer Cameron on at his Special Olympics events and enjoyed the annual trip to the State Fair of Texas, riding and hanging out with his buddy.

He cherished the Summers and holidays spent visiting his grandparents, cousins, and family in Mississippi. We will be forever grateful for the memories with our beloved Courtney at this year's Thanksgiving gathering in Cruger at Granny and Papa's house. He never forgot the precious times he had as a child with his beloved great-grandmother, "Addie B." She taught him the art of fishing at an early age. Courtney kept a special place in his heart for his great-grandmother, always paying tribute to her at the end of his music videos.

Courtney is preceded in death by his father, Henry Moore; grandfather Willard Walson, Jr.; great-grandparents: Annie and Mack Harper, Mae Willie and Jonas Epps, Jr., Annie Mae and Percy James, Addie B. and Jeff Sly; many loving Aunts, including his Aunt Shang and Aunt Dean and uncles along with a special cousin Shun D. Smith.

His life, love and memory will be cherished forever by his devoted mother Jeannie Harper James and father J.B. James; sisters: Rashonda James and Jessica Moore; brother: Jeffrey James and Lamar (Lanell) James; his grandparents: Bobbie and James Epps; grandmother Ruthie Moore and an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends