Charles James Elder was born December 10, 1943 in Winterville, Georgia to the late Cleveland & Carrie C. Watkins Elder. He attended public schools in Clarke County, Georgia until 1953 when he moved to Bristol, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Delhass High. After graduating high school, he returned to Athens to purchase a home, work and to live out his life.

James worked as a health care provider for many years until his physical health forced him to retire.  He was a loving person and a friend to many. His home was home to family and friends over the years.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by several siblings, Rosa Lee "Bae" Randolph, Carrie Mae Randolph, Syemon Sheats, Cleveland Elder, Jr., and Sylvester Elder.

He leaves to grieve the loss, brothers, Robert Elder of Mableton, Georgia, and Billy Gene (Diana) Elde of Austintown, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

James' life was greatly enriched by him giving and receiving a special caring and love from Willie and his son, Carl Randolph, Robert Reid, Elenor Moment, crystal Davis-Thomspn and Kathy Ann Priester.