Obituary of James Jinning

James Ezell Jinning was born October 22, 1965 to the late Fannie Mae Fisher and James Charles Jennings. James (Ezell) accepted Christ at an early age. In 1975, James became a member of Fellowship Church of God In Christ, located in Joliet IL. He received his formal education at South Division High School in Milwaukee, WI, Where he held a 2 time state champion title on the wrestling team. He continued to further his education graduating with honors from ITT Tech Tucson Campus, Tucson AZ. Over the past decade, he dedicated his talent and love for music to be a blessing to many places of worship. He enjoyed spending time with his children, playing his bass guitar and other musical instruments. He stepped out of his comfort zone to explore new adventurous activities without hesitation. He also loved making people laugh and putting them at ease. James was well respected among his peers and within the local Tucson music community. He was not only a comical individual; he was very intelligent, musically inclined (self-taught). He lived his life as a free spirit and the most down to earth individual who remained humble despite life challenges. His favorite thing to do during challenging times, would be to take on characters such as “the good Dr. BD Johnson” (actual name); “Professor BD Johnson” “Roscoe P Coltrane” and most recently “MC Rap Too Much” to alleviate stress and to find humor in everyday life struggles. James is survived by his children Felisha S. Jinning, Latrice N. Jinning, , James E. Jinning (Maryaunna), Tashi L Jinning, Justin D. Jinning, Joshua Jinning and Jaquese B. Jinning. Fiancée Melanie Atkins & step son Dominic DiMaggio. 6 Grandchildren : Latria Teat, Cordae Jackson, Jaylen Adams-Jinning, Herbert Stegall, Thomas Stegall, Laveiah Stegall Sisters: Dorthy Daniels, Earnestine Smith, Linda Walker, Jacqueline McElroy (Charles), Dorothy Jones (Garfield), Johnny Mae Bell, Velzora Jenkins (Monroe) Charlene Adams Caroline Brown (Leroy) Brothers: Charles Jennings, DeRandy Jennings, Fredrick Jennings, Ellis L Lewis Sr., Ellis J Lewis Jr and James K Jennings and also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends James (Ezell) is preceded in death by his Mother Fannie Mae Fisher, Father James Charles Jennings, (1) Son James E. Jinning Jr. (4) sisters: Josephine Herring, Clementine Youngblood, Lettie M Jennings and Ella M. Austin. (2) brothers: Jessie L Robinson and James C Jennings Jr. James will be remembered by those who love him as a very outgoing, full of life gentle giant. He will be deeply missed. His Tucson homecoming celebration will be held Wednesday September 12, 2018 at Rising Star Baptist Church located at 2800 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85716, Followed by his Milwaukee homecoming celebration on Wednesday September 19, 2018 to be held at Hephatha Lutheran Church, located at 1720 W. Locust St. Milwaukee WI 53206. The vieit must bwing for both services will be held 10:00 am followed by Service at 11 am. Repass will follow after each service. The family would like to publically thank everyone that sent well wishes and prayers. We are also eternally grateful to Angel Valley Funeral home in Tucson AZ and Reid’s New Golden Gate Funeral home in Milwaukee WI for the support and care provided for our departed loved one. As we tearfully say our goodbyes, we know it’s not forever because to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. James Ezell Jinning will truly be missed and we know he is thumping his bass guitar in the heavenly band