James Dickens was born on May 13, 1915 in Tillery, NC, the son of James and Annie Dickens. His early life was spent in Franklin, Virginia. As a young man, he moved to Birdsnest, Virginia, where he met and married Sarah Bannister. From their union, a son was born James A. Dickens, and a daughter Ina Dickens Dorsey, who preceded them in death.

James was always a hard worker. He worked in construction, timber mills, fishing industries and farming. He loved farming and raising animals. He could always be found outdoors working in the yard.

He joined Antioch Baptist Church, and served faithfully as a deacon and choir member until his health no longer allowed him to serve.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, James A. Dickens, who is married to Jeanette and lives in Statesville, NC and two grandsons and their spouses, James A. Dickens, Jr. and wife Tanya of Greensboro, NC and Jeffrey M. Dickens and wife Tracy of Douglasville, GA. Three granddaughters: Cheryl Fernandez, Shelia Dorsey and Sarah Dorsey, all of Boston, MA.  Five great-grandchildren and two sisters Mrs. Geneva Boone of Grafton, VA. and Mrs. Aretha Boone of Suffolk, Va.  And a host of other relatives and friends.