James Henry Styles (Courtesy)

James Henry Styles, son of the late Rev. Lem Styles and Malinda Styles, was born in Lee County, GA on October 21, 1935. He attended the public schools of Lee County and Bibb County, GA, where he graduated from Ballard Hudson Senior High School in 1954. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music in 1958 from Fort Valley State College (now University) where he was President of the college’s choir, a member of the band, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He later received his Master’s Degree in Music from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, IL.

Upon graduation, James taught music and directed bands at various schools within the Atlanta Public School system. For a number of years, he worked in Sales at Sears and led The James Styles Blues and Jazz Express, playing at numerous venues throughout the Southeast. He was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.m in Atlanta, GA.

Survivors include his daughters, Kim (Keith) O’Bryant and Charlene Styles Godfrey; a grandson, Ethan Styles Godfrey; a sister, Ella Styles Carter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services for James Henry Styles are Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel at Hutchings Funeral Home with burial in Middle Georgia Memory Gardens Cemetery, Macon, GA.