James Bernard Haynes, affectionately known as "Smoke," was born on May 21, 1953, to Robert Lee and Ida Mae Haynes. James attended Chamberlain High School before furthering his education at Erwin Technical Institution, where he became a certified electrician. He went on to work for Tri-City Electrical Contractors, dedicating his skills and expertise to his craft. James was a man of resilience and strength, celebrating over 26 years of sobriety. He found joy and purpose in attending N.A. meetings and volunteering, offering support and encouragement to others on their journeys.

A devoted family man, James cherished babysitting his grandchildren and spending quality time with family and friends. Known for his loving and humorous nature, he was also a skilled handyman who often lent his talents to electrical work. James will be remembered for his courage, humor, and unwavering dedication to those he cared about. James was preceded in death by: wife, Lydia Haynes; parents, Robert Lee and Ida Mae Haynes; great-grandparents Roosevelt and Rosa Lee Allen; brother, Robert Lee Haynes, Jr.; sisters, Ruby Burney and Sheena Haynes; aunts, Mary Fluker and Edna Mae Cooley; and cousins, Henry and Kim Fluker.

He leaves cherished memories to: children, James, Sadie, Missy, Tarsha (Keith), and Tangie; brothers, Donnell Haynes (Laurenette), and Rudy Burney (Mona); sister, Sheryl Haynes; aunt, Louise Thompson; uncle, Roosevelt Allen, Jr.; nephews, Tajar, Reggie, Tony, Corey, DeAndre, Taurean, and Rudy; nieces, Tomeka, Miranda, Renee, Ursula, Que, Nikki, and Brennecia; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and cousins; as well as other relatives, god-daughter Jahara, and special friends, Nate, Franklin, Calvin, Carolyn, Mike, Sylvester, Clay, Patricia, Kelvin, Teresa, Robin (devoted friends), and Deacon Archie and Sister Sunday Reese (in-laws).