He was born in Chester County, the son of Wilma Carroll Crowe and the late Leon Crowe. He attended school in Chester County. James worked for Whaley and DeViney Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator for 35 years. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church.
He is survived by his mother, Wilma Carroll Crowe of Meridian, MS and a girlfriend, Ann Vandiver of Finger; and other family members, Ronald Vandiver, Jackie Vandiver, Teresa Wilson, Kevin Wheeler, Christy Vandiver and Christian Pickett.