James Lee Deal was born in Tunica, Mississippi to the late Henry L. Deal and Lillie Mae Hampton deal on July 13, 1953. James and his twin brother Odis L. deal was listed on hospital records as being the first African American twins born in Tunica County, Mississippi. Later on in life James and his brothers made a transitional move to Chicago, Illinois with their mother. James attended Englewood High School and Latece Beauty School. He joined the army leaving with an Honorary Discharge. James was preceded in death by his father and mother, his sister Fannie Mae Deal, his uncle George Hampton, Aunts Alberta Stein, Cordelia Brown, Great Aunt Cordelia Tutt. One niece Barnett Webb. He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters Latonya Gray and Latitia (Corey) Jackson. Son Michael Williams, brothers Odis (Valerie) of Milwaukee, WI. Albert (Rosie) Deal of Memphis, Tennessee and W.C. Smith of Atlanta, Georgia. Sister Marie Davis. Two special nieces Annetta and Chaunte Kline, five grandchildren, two great nieces, great nephews, four great nephews and a host of family