Mr. Michael Anthony James, 64, of 392 Mt. Bethel Road, Harmony, was born in Washington, D. C. on April 22, 1955. He was the son of Vera Speaks James and the late Harold Timothy James. He departed this life on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem following an extended illness. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Union Grove where he served faithfully for many years, serving on the Usher Board and the Senior Choir. He served with the United States Army and also North Carolina Army National Guard and was honorably discharged and also retired from the Army. He was a member of the American Legion Post #113 in Harmony. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Timothy James and David James, a son, Michael James, Jr. He leaves to cherish the memory of his life in addition to his mother, Vera Speaks James of the home; one son, Matthew (Lori) James of Statesville; three grandchildren, Tiara James, Devon (Blake) Smith James and Damion Allen Smith James; seven nieces and nephews, Tricia Lynn (Anthony) Chambers who was raised in the home as his sister of Harmony, Tervera James of Odenton, Maryland, TaKia (Derrick) Coates of Annapolis, Maryland, David James, Jr. of New York, Raven James of New York, Trenisha C. James of Hyattsville, Maryland, Tamar L. James (Jamal) Minor of Hyattsville, Maryland; several aunts and uncles, Vernice James of Alexandria, Virginia, Henry (Carolyn) Speaks of Harmony, Estella Speaks of Maryland, Geneva Dalton and Jackie Speaks, both of Harmony, and Judy (Luther) Morris of Lanham, Maryland; a special friend and godbrother, Reverend Karl (Bobbietta) Payne; a special friend and cousin, Reverend Jacqui Speaks; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family, neighbors and dear friends. Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church in Union Grove. Reverend Karl Payne will officiate and burial will follow in the Church Cemetery with Military Rites. Mr. James will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 12:30 p.m. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., but will assemble at the residence at other times. Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. James at www.rutledgeandbigham.com. Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the James Family.