James Hailes, Jr. was born March 24,1936 in Washington, DC to the late James Hailes, Sr. and Ellen Hailes. He was the third oldest of eleven children. “Junior,” as he was called by almost everyone, was preceded in death by siblings, Louise, Geraldine, Roger, and Joseph.

Junior attended District of Columbia Public Schools, graduating from Cardozo High School. Following high school, he served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he continued his education, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Federal City College.

He found success in his career as an employee of the District of Columbia Government, retiring from the Bureau of Traffic Adjudication.

Junior was raised in a Christian home. He started his Christian education at an early age at Gethsemane Baptist Church, where he became a lifelong and dedicated member. He served in many capacities including Deacon Board member, President of the Missions Ministry, a member of the Senior Usher Board and leader of the Tribe of Zebulun. In addition, he faithfully attended Tuesday Noon Day Prayer, Adult Bible Class, and volunteered with the Commodities Food Program.

He was devoted to family. He enjoyed cooking for family gatherings and monthly poker games. He was a diehard Redskins/Commanders fan and held season tickets for decades. In recent years he enjoyed watching old western television shows and movies. Junior was truly an easy going, loyal and caring son, brother, uncle and friend.

He leaves to cherish his memory, sister Mildred Lacy, brothers Donell (Brenda), Julian, Edward, Stanley (Jacquelyn), Larry (Lynn), an aunt, Carrie Diggs, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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