Bishop Embra Allen James was born October 19, 1946 in Lake Alfred, FL to the late Willie and Cassie James. Bishop James was the youngest of five children (Samuel, Evelyn, Rose Lee, and Susie), and was affectionately known as “Baby Sonny”.
On August 27, 1967, he joined the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Hall, during his Senior year in high school.
Bishop James received his diploma from Jewett Senior High School on June 3, 1964. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science with a major in Political Science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University on March 22, 1968. Bishop James went on to join the United States Army on January 24, 1968 as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) during the Vietnam War. Bishop James received an Honorable Discharge, and moved back to the State of Florida, from Colorado Springs, to be closer to his mother, following his father’s passing. Bishop James went back to school at the age of 50, and received a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Development and Management on May 15, 1999.
Bishop James became an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy on August 23, 2006. Bishop James worked three jobs support his family. He became a Social Worker in the seventies and retired from the State of Florida after 35 years. He was also a substitute teacher, and a Minister. During his spare time, he was a radio announcer on WCGL AM 1360 in the early eighties, and was the Choir Director during the early eighties at 21st Street Church of God of Prophecy.
Bishop James leaves his legacy to his beloved wife of 55 years, First Lady Weeda (Ouida) James, daughter Tonya James of Jacksonville, son Allen James (December) of Las Vegas, Nevada, five grandchildren, brother-in-law Bishop Theodore Beckwith (Shelly) of Tallahassee, brother-in-law Bishop Almando Mullins (JoAnn) of Tallahassee, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, and friends.