James Edward Wayne was born on December 10, 1942 to the union of Marvin Daniel (MD) Wayne, Sr. and Jeanette Terrell Wayne. He was the fourth of six siblings. Both parents, brothers, Donald Harold, Marvin Jr., sister, Marion Wayne, and son Jeffrey David Wayne preceded him in death.

James was educated in the East St. Louis School District #189. He enlisted in the Army and became a paratrooper. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by Greyhound Bus Company, Terminal Railroad, and Nash Funeral Home. He was then employed by KSDK TV and 55KUSA Country Radio as a camera man and radio engineer. He was affectionately called "Duke" by radio announcer Frank Opinion to the radio listeners. After retiring from KSDK & 55KUSA, James became a school bus driver, trainer and dispatcher for Laidlaw Bus Company before retiring.

James was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and a Sunday School teacher. He conducted a conference call Sunday School class at home on Saturday mornings with great joy.

James married Carmen Goodrich October 16, 1965, a fifty-seven year union (Till death do us part). Two children were born to this union.

James Edward Wayne passed on August 28, 2022 after a brief illness. He leaves to mourn: his wife ~ Carmen Wayne; son ~ James E. Wayne, Jr. (Shirley) of Killeen, TX; two granddaughters ~ Jacquelyn and Jaida Wayne of Killeen, TX; Brother ~ Reginald Wayne, Sr. (Marita) of Fairview Heights, IL; sister ~ Myrna Reeves of Indianapolis, IN; two sisters-in-law ~Thelma Wayne of Denver, CO and Fannie Wayne of Fairview Heights, IL; and numerous nieces (it gave him great pleasure to torture. You know who you are), nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends David King, Anthony Davis, and Richard Bonner.