Gail Patricia James was born on December 3, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the union of Joseph Pierce and Shirley Beasley Pierce.  On June 16, 2026, Gail suddenly and unexpectedly transitioned from this life to God's glory. She was preceded in death by her parents; her baby girl, Tiffany Erica James; and her brother, Joseph Pierce, Jr.  Gail never fully recovered from the loss of her Tiffany and mourned her loss up until her last breath.

Gail leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Mercedez James; her grand-dog, Rocky; her sisters, Wisetta Neill (Jere), Brenda Hunt (Kerry), and Joanne Holmes (Howard); her nieces, LaShika Camara, Cassandra Kennedy (Elliott), Jessica Smith, and Monique Holmes; and her nephews, DeQuandre Smith (Patrice), Craig Smith, Emanual Smith and Dr. Jere Neill, Jr. Long-time friends Miyoshi Shaw, Inger Douglas and Victor Bonds.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, 69 S. Astor Street, Pontiac, Michigan.  A brief family hour will begin at 12 noon, with the service immediately following.