We are deeply saddened at the loss of our friend and fellow veteran, James Courtney Preston Jr.

James loved his family and devoted his life to providing a wonderful home for his family with every fiber of his soul. He was known for his faith, love of life, loyalty, work ethic, being a world traveler and adventurer, civil rights advocate and incredible singing voice.

Surrounded by the love of his family, James transitioned on Wednesday, 25 May 2022 at his condo in Bloomfield Hills.

James was born on 13 August in Charleston, WV to James Courtney Preston Sr. and Faith Williams Preston. Orphaned before his first birthday, James was raised by his beloved grandparents George and Mamie Williams in Elkhorn, WV. After the passing of his grandmother, five-year old James moved to Detroit, MI. For the next 12 years, James rotated amongst his maternal aunts and uncles. His happiest times where when he lived with his aunts Hope Williams and Charity Williams and their families.

After graduating early from Miller Senior High School, in Detroit, James, at 17, decided to live his dream to travel the world and serve his nation. James joined the United States Air Force (Air Force) and was one of the few diverse airmen selected to become an engineer. After being based in the Philippines, James formed a life-long love of the culture and people. He adored Manila and would often speak Filipino to anyone who would listen.

After serving in the Air Force, James met and married Lauretta Gardner. James and Lauretta had two children – Alan Courtney and Carol Ann. After Lauretta’s passing, James was a young widower who worked and raised his two young children.

Several years later, James met Carmen Mills and surprisingly the first date wasn’t the smoothest. It was a blind double date with each of their best friends. James drove his convertible and on the way to the dance, James and Carmen “disagreed over what to listen to on the radio.” James wanted sports and Carmen wanted music. Arriving at the dance, the two didn’t speak for the rest of the evening. The next day, James had an “aha” moment and realized that he “really, really” liked Carmen and decided to try again. Thinking strategically, James decided to gain the favor of Carmen’s parents and siblings. After a few months of daily “wooing,” she finally agreed to a second date – if she could pick the restaurant. Their first date was at Lelli’s Restaurant in Detroit.

Over the next two years, James and Carmen became active at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Detroit, in the community and in the civil rights movement. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., they decided to participate in the Walk to Freedom March with friends and neighbors. After marriage, James and Carmen moved to northwest Detroit, and raised two more children Carla and Craig. They were long-time parishioners at Gesu Catholic Church and extremely active in the Gesu School Parent Teacher Association and Parents Club. After Carmen fell ill, James became her primary care-giver for 22 years. The love and care that he shared with and for Carmen was beautiful.

James was an early advocate for the women’s movement and supported Carmen’s desire to live her dream of being a wife, mother, homemaker and to have a career. With Carmen at his side, James pursued his career at the U.S Post Office and Preston Trucking Company. James was a life- long learner and student. He attended Wayne State University, the University of Detroit and attained his realtor’s license.

James embraced being with his family. He was father to Alan, Carol, Carla and Craig. He was the grandfather of Rachael, Courtney and Rebecca, and great-grandfather to Raymond III and Ryan. He was preceded in death by Tony Williams his maternal uncle, a mere two months older, who was in actuality his brother. James was a loving brother-in-law and uncle to William and Christopher and several other nieces and nephews.

James loved traveling, playing golf, bowling and baseball. James played competitive baseball in high school, while in the Air Force and on several leagues. Throughout his life, James also participated in several bowling leagues. James was an avid sports fan. He loved football, baseball, basketball, and tennis. His professional favorite teams were those not from Detroit. While James cheered on Oakland University and Michigan State University, he had a soft spot for the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). James was creative. He painted. He sang. He could build anything. Once he had a vision, he would design and build furniture, dog houses, doll houses, etc.

After retirement, James supported diversity advocacy organizations dedicated to economically empowering underrepresented and underutilized business owners. James was a frequent attendee at National Veterans Business Development Council, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council events – especially the golf outings.

Above all, James had a passion for contributing his talents and experience to helping others. Throughout his life, James’ strength and love of live was freely shared with countless people who crossed his path, and he readily shared his blessings with others. At Gesu, James served as an usher and overall volunteer, Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. When he decided to move to a condo with other seasoned adults, James made a point to share his blessings. He volunteered to be the annual Mother’s Day Flower Sponsor where every lady reached a rose and a vase. On Christmas eve, James put on his Santa hat, delivered presents to every resident and staff member and would lead the in-house Christmas caroling. James was a supporter of many charitable causes, particularly ones related to education, veterans, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and his Catholic faith.

James believed in the power of prayer, hard work and faith to overcome challenges. He believed in saying thank you, please and I’m sorry. He also believed that being on-time meant arriving five minutes early and making your bed every morning was a requirement – because that meant you accomplished one thing before you left the house. James would say: “Life can be hard. So, when it is hard; don’t wish for it to be easier or for others to solve your problems. Decide to be stronger, ask for help and embrace the challenge.”

“Thank you Mr. Preston for your service to our country. I treasure the times that l shared with you and your family at Tiger games and other events. You are a kind and generous American and please know that you and your family will remain in our prayers. Rest In Peace my brother.” Said Sid E. Taylor, NVBDC Board Member, JROTC Scholarship Program Administrator and Fellow Veteran.

The Preston family suggests memorial tributes to the following:

• National Veteran Business Development Council: James C. Preston Fund for Air Force business owners and Air Force ROTC. Please indicate in the comments field that this is a donation for the James C. Preston Memorial.
• Solanus Casey Center
• Alzheimer’s Association
• National Kidney Foundation