Leonard James, affectionally known as "Soup" was born on April 3, 1954 to the late Dorothy James in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He entered into eternal rest on November 30, 2025.

"Soup" was the kind of man who told the truth exactly how it came to him—blunt, loud, and unfiltered—but he kept everyone laughing while he did it."

He was preceded in death by two siblings, Mary James & Marion Morgan.

Leonard "Soup" James leaves to cherish his fond memories: one son, Moneline Pint Singleton and one bonus son that he raised, Maurice (Tashena) Hunter Sr; three brothers, Robert (Cynthia) James, Jaycee (Nancy) James and Alan (Shawnta) Harrison; one aunt, Emma Williams; ten grandchildren, Marlayna Singleton, Shamere Briggs Singleton, Za'Riah Singleton, Mo'Riah Singleton, Mo'Reece Singleton, Zy'Kelle Singleton, Daelen Singleton, Da'Shaun Perales, Maurice Hunter Jr and Mon'Nae Hunter; two great-grandchildren: Ja'Mari Alston and Ny'Remia Mack, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.