James moved to Detroit Michigan at the age of five years.  James attended Detroit Public schools and graduated from Detroit MacKenzie high school.

James was retired from Doetsch environmental services in Warren Michigan. He proudly served the Pontiac community by volunteering at various food bank centers and churches in Pontiac and surrounding areas. He volunteered at the Machan Nutrition Center, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, New Springfield, Missionary Baptist Church,  All Saints Episcopal Church, and various other organization in the Pontiac region. James truly touched the lives of so many, he loved and adored his children and grandson.

He leaves in his picture gallery of life his wife Sherri Davis-Stanley  children, Jonathan and Jason Stanley, Andra (Chris) Stanley, and Shantel Stanley. One grandchild Aiden Stanley. His brothers, Jessie, Donnie, Tommy, Jimmy, Johnny, and Ted Stanley. His sisters, Anne, Kate, Nancy, Katherine, Dorothy, Nancy Stanley, and Carolyn Lofton.  Sisters-in-law, Quettia Davis, Debra (Rev. Tommie) Dean and Linda (Diego) Zimmerman. Also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Stanley will lie in repose on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Cobb's Funeral Home 151 Orchard Lake Road in Pontiac, Michigan from 1:00pm until 5:00pm.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 11:30am at All Saints Episcopal Church 171 W. Pike St., in Pontiac, Michigan, family hour will start at 11:00am at the church.  Internment will be held at Perry Mount Park Cemetery in Pontiac, Michigan.