A Fiddler’s Green ceremony was held for Trooper Curtis L. James on April 27, 2004 at Solomon’s Mortuary Chapel at 10625 S. Broadway in Los Angeles, CA. Trooper James wa sborn in Texarkana, TX and graduated from Macedonia High School in May of 1940.At the age of 18 Trooper James joined the regular Army and was assigned to the9th Calvary Regiment, Troop “F” at Fort Riley, KS. While stationed at Ft Riley, Trooper James received training in cooking, baking, clerical, horse shoeing and transportation.
He was assigned as a personal orderly to General Benjamin O. Davis Sr. the first Black General in the United States Army. He had the additional honor of being assigned as Captain Benjamin O. Davis prior to Capt Davis assuming the command of th 99thPursuit Squadron in Tuskegee, AL. The young Black Pilots who served in that squadron became known as the Tuskegee Airmen. Trooper James and his unit landed in North Africa on D-Day. They went on to Anzio, Palermo, and Salermo Beaches, all part of the Invasion of Italy. Trooper James received four Bronze Battle Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, five other medals and ribbons along with the US Army Marksman Badge with a Rifle Bar medal. He wore the Ruptured Duck Lapel Button, indicative of an Honorably Discharged Military Veteran.
He leaves to cherish memory, his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Johnnie James, two daughters Donna James and Linda Kirkendoll, one son Jimmy James, many grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and his fellow Troopers.
