Michael Stephen James

The Honorable Michael S. James, 76 of Greensboro NC, passed away December 11, 2024 after a long hard battle with cancer. Michael passed peacefully at his home surrounded by special friends and family, and with the assurance of his eternal resting place.

Mike left an amazing legacy. He was a decorated U.S. Marine Veteran, a graduate of Guilford College, a criminal justice planner for the Piedmont Triad Council of Government, and a director of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program through the Governor's Highway Safety Program. Mike went on to serve as co-principal & instructor for the Saudi-Arabian Traffic Safety Project through the VA Commonwealth University of Richmond, VA. Mike served as a criminal and civil magistrate in Guilford County for over 28 years, before retiring in 2018.

Michael was especially proud of his 23 years of service as a Master Mason with Guilford Lodge #656, A.F.A.M., serving as Master of the lodge in 2005, and achieving the title of Secretary of Distinction. He was deeply honored when the annual Wreath Project at Whitestone, that he founded, was renamed in his honor to the Michael S. James Christmas Wreath Project at Whitestone.

Mike enjoyed life, like no one else. He loved beach music, poker nights with the guys, and his Cadillac “The General”, but most of all Mike loved making memories at The Point on Belews Creek. He loved everything about lake life: boating, sailing, skiing, floating, Niece’s blue porch swing, and any gathering that involved his lake family.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents: Harry Woodrow and Verniece (Niece) James. He is survived by his brother, Mark James and wife Aime, of Stokesdale, the love of his life Rosemary Killion, special cousins Karen & Vickie, as well as a host of other cousins. Mike is also survived by several faithful and dedicated friends Robert Lee, Mary Ellen & Shorty.

A memorial service will be held on January 4th, 1:00 pm at the Masonic Chapel on 700 S Holden Rd, Greensboro N.C.. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date at God’s Acres in Old Salem. In lieu of flowers, please send donations & memorials to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org).

The family would also like to thank the Department of Veteran Affairs and the entire staff of the Randolph & High Point Hospice House, with a special thanks to Blane, for all of their assistance and hard work.