James Edward Wise was born on October 28, 1956, in Washington, D.C. to Helen T. Mason. Three days after James' birth, Ms. Corrine Coleman became his mother and raised him alone until she married Homer Wise a few years later. They later moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where they laid new roots and adopted two more sons, Timothy and Lee Roy, to complete their family.

James attended the then-segregated Walker-Grant Elementary School where he learned how to read and write -- two things he was eager to teach his mother who was not afforded much formal education. Over time he would learn and appreciate that what she lacked in education was more than compensated in her ability to model a strong work ethic, daily sacrifice for family, and Christian devotion -- all things he, too, modeled throughout his life, especially to his own children.

After the Fredericksburg schools were desegregated, James attended James Monroe High School where he became immersed in the marching band and African American literature as a member of the Black Studies Club – the latter, a passion he continued to enjoy until he passed.

During his middle school and high school years, James attended Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) where he was baptized in 1968 by Rev. A. Russell Awkard. He quickly became heavily involved in the Youth Department's activities, including Sunday School and the Youth Choir where he developed his vocal skills and was featured as a soloist on "These are They," a live recorded album by the Youth Choir in 1976. It was through this involvement that he grew in his Christian walk and began to develop spiritually. James would eventually return to Shiloh – New Site and serve as the Director of the Male Chorus for over 20 years.

During his adolescent years, James joined Shades of Soul which later became Harambee 360° Experimental Theater, Inc. Harambee had a profound impact on James' life, as he transformed from a somewhat shy participant to eventually becoming a board member of the organization (a position he held the rest of his life), helping to sponsor the Black Arts Festival.

In the fall of 1974, he began his studies at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University) and immediately joined the marching band and concert band. James had a gift with music and found a way to weave his love for art with his passion for the community which was demonstrated by his serving as one of the 14 distinguished charter members of the Eta Gamma Chapter of the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity on Morgan State's campus.  James was also a member of the drama troupe, The Ira Aldridge Players, and was inducted into the Nu Phi Cast Chapter of the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society.

Although James flourished academically as a first-generation college student, the financial burden made completing his undergraduate degree at Morgan State less than ideal. Before graduating, James left Morgan with the determination to complete his degree which he eventually did, receiving his bachelor's degree from Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington) in 1997.

One consistent aspect of James' life from high school, through college, and into his adult life was his love for his high school sweetheart, Paula. They were inseparable from the beginning of their courtship, supporting one another's academic and career aspirations and were eventually married on July 24, 1982, beginning 40 beautiful years of holy matrimony. To their union were born three children, Candace, Lauren, and Joshua, who became the center of their lives. James took pride in his role as a father as he truly believed that "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." (Psalm 127:3).

James was a man who valued family and poured every ounce of himself into his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and more. One could only imagine the excitement he experienced when his long journey to find his biological family finally brought him into contact with his maternal grandmother and siblings in 2006. He enjoyed the instant bond he developed with the entire family, a joy he sustained for the remainder of his life. James would eventually become a grandfather to three loving grandsons, a role he cherished deeply and one that has lifted his spirits over the last six years.

James was very successful professionally working at the World Bank for over 15 years and employed for over 20 years with the United States Postal Service where he worked up until the day before he passed. He not only made tremendous contributions to the missions of these organizations but more importantly was a dependable colleague and friend to those he worked alongside over the years. His career afforded him an opportunity to travel, which he genuinely enjoyed, especially the annual family vacations to the Outer Banks creating memories he cherished for years. He was also able to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Africa, once with his two daughters to Zimbabwe and another trip to South Africa where former US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater hosted him.

As a consummate servant leader, James was always in search of a means to give back and make an impact in his community. In 2012, this desire brought him to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where he was initiated into the Fredericksburg Alumni Chapter, thereby fulfilling a 35-year dream that began at Morgan State. James proudly served as a dedicated member, becoming involved with committees and leading initiatives to benefit the community. He was also the Co-Chair of the annual Kappa Men Who Cook. The Brothers of the Chapter will long remember his kind spirit and his melodious voice when he always led the singing of the Fraternity's hymn.

James passed away on May 23, 2023, at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center after a valiant decade-long battle with a chronic lung disease leaving not only a void in the lives of his family and those he touched over the years, but also a rich legacy of love and dedication to a life-well-lived which will be felt for generations. James was predeceased by his mothers, Corrine Wise, and Helen T. Mason; his father, Homer Wise; his brother, Arthur Coleman and his grandmother, Helen L. Mason. James is survived by his devoted wife, Paula Samuels Wise; two daughters, Candace Jackson (Gerald) and Dr. Lauren Griffin (Tony); one son, Joshua Wise; and three grandsons, Gerald Jackson, IV, Christian Jackson, and Anthony Griffin, Jr. He is also survived by four sisters, Diane Watson (Robert), Ann Davis (Charles), Deborah Snowden, and Pamela Josey (Wayne); four brothers, Timothy Wise, Lee Roy Wise (Kawana), Michael Mason (Shamecka), and David Mason-Nelson, three sisters-in-law, Betty Wilson, Barbara Bryant (Donald), Linda Parker; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM followed by a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity ceremony from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. There will also be a viewing one hour before the funeral service which will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) at 525 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 10:00 AM. The service will be live streamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86511085999?pwd=aXN3bmNibTczOUhIaFBwNmJUQ296dz09 . Click here to view the funeral service program.

The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 3702 Loren Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408.