James Harley was born on December 17, 1947 to Mary Weekly. He was born and raised in Mississippi until he moved to the Metro East area.

James never met a stranger and was loved by many. He liked to go fishing, watching sports, and playing cards with friends and family.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jimmie Lee, father-in-law, Charlie Brown, sister-in-law, Patricia Robinson, stepson, Marcus Brown and nephew, Santino Luzyinski.

James departed this life on December 24, 2017 in St. Charles, Missouri. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Michelle Harley of East St. Louis, IL; stepdaughter, Michel'le Weston; granddaughter, Malaysia Gomiller of East St. Louis, IL; brother, Roosevelt Wallace of Arkansas; a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other extended family, K.J. and many dear friends.