John Wayne "Slick" James was born June 24, 1958 in Elton, Louisiana to the late Simon and Ezola Freeman James.

He resided in Moss Bluff for twenty-six years prior to moving to Lake Charles.  He was a member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Linda Olivier; daughter, Kamecia Tureaud; sisters, Barbara James, Betty (Raywood) Joubert Sr., and Shelia (John) Simien; brothers, Ronald "Jim" Goodly and Samuel "Fox" James; six grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Jim and Mary James; maternal grandparents, Maurice and Josephine Freeman; and two great nephews, Ethan Grant Joubert and Trevon D'on Fontenot.