James Lee Usher
December 23, 1963 ~ March 15, 2023
Fairburn Southern Cremations & Funerals
James "Jimmy" Lee Usher, 59, a beloved member of the community and a successful entrepreneur, passed away on March 15, 2023. James was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi to Franklin Lee and Velma Wade Usher.
Despite being orphaned at a young age, James persevered and went on to achieve great things. He moved to Atlanta to attend Carver Bible College, where he pursued his passion for helping others. He later founded several successful companies, including Elite Investigation and Security, American Trainers and Motivators, Usher in Results, The Georgia Law Group, and, later in life, Einstein Investigations.
James was a highly sought-after trainer and speaker, having worked with Zig Ziglar and producing his own local motivational talk show, The James L. Usher Show. He was also a Work-Trainer for the Atlanta Police Department, where he shared his expertise and insights with the city's finest. He was respected and admired by his colleagues for his dedication.
James also held black belt in martial arts and was a passionate sports fan. Beyond his passion for helping others, James was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and grilling with his daughter and friends. He was also a long-time member of a cycling club for many years, and he loved to be out in nature.
Beyond his professional and athletic accomplishments, James was a loving and devoted father to his daughter and a loyal friend to many. He was a passionate community leader who started or served on many community-based projects, including mentoring young people and offering scholarships to black youth to pursue their goals and interests.
James started his Masonic journey in 2017, where he progressed from Master Mason to Royal Arch to Knights Templar to Shriner to Consistory and most recently obtaining the level of 32 Degree.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lee Franklin and Velma Wade Usher (Pontotoc, MS), Siblings Roger Lee Usher (Sacramento, CA), Richard Lee Usher (Memphis, TN), and Mary Usher (Memphis, TN),
Leaving to Mourn is his wife, Ruth Usher (Atlanta, GA), daughter Ashley "Nikki" Usher (Chicago, Ill), surrogate father Booker (Cheryl) Herring (Waco, GA), siblings Donald Fitzapatrick (Pontotoc, MS), Ida "Sue" Judon (Pontotoc, MS), Gloria "Deeny" Fitzpatrick (Pontotoc, MS), surrogate brothers Richard (Patrice) Fleming (South Carolina), Steve (Angie) White (Tennessee), Carol (Gary) Lawrence (Stockbridge, GA), Kimberly Lawrence (Woodstock, GA). Richard (Ann) Gordon (Douglasville, GA), Brothers of M.W. James Ferguson Grand Lodge, Brothers of the Covenant Lodge #5, and other extended family and friends
James' legacy of service, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire and guide us all. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.
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I began working for Mr usher when I was just 18 years old and finished high school. He was one of the best security private investigator that I had ever met. I had high hopes for taking Mr usher’s private investigation training and receiving my state badge number. I managed five security officers at the Holiday inn in Fulton county Georgia for Mr usher. Mr usher was one of the kindest and most understanding individual and outstanding man that I have ever met in that field. I went on to become an advanced emergency medical technician and left law enforcement behind me. When I began working for Mr usher I did not know exactly what I wanted to do when I finished high school, by working for Mr usher it gave me a great deal of understanding of how helping the public works. I attended Gwinnett technical institute and graduated second highest on national registry board for advanced emergency medical technician. I will never forget the training and management skills that Mr usher help me with and how he taught me not to lose my cool when dealing with the public it paid off in the medical field that I pursued later in life in 93. Mr usher was very set in his ways and could be stubborn at times but that’s what made him a great private investigator and security officer. I looked up to Mr usher for the management skills that I received from him and the investigation skills that he trained me in during the existence of elite security located at 1776 Atlanta Georgia Peachtree Street. We provided high-profile security for high-profile clients with his security firm and worked for multiple locations throughout the Atlanta austell Cobb county area. James really believed in the word elite he wanted you to be the best and give your best at everything you did in the job. Mr usher will be missed I often think about him and what things would be like in my life had I finished the investigation School. Mr usher I know you’re in a better place and I know you were loved. You are a very talented man and you will be missed.
Charles Head
Today, my heart is heavy as I say goodbye to my best friend and mentor, James Usher. Words cannot capture the depth of the loss I feel, nor the profound impact James had on my life. He was more than a friend; he was my guiding light, a source of wisdom, strength, and unconditional support.
James taught me the value of kindness, resilience, and perseverance. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, always pushing me to reach for my dreams. His laughter was infectious, his advice invaluable, and his spirit unshakable. To everyone who knew him, he was a beacon of hope and a reminder of the goodness in this world.
As I reflect on the countless memories we shared, I find solace in knowing that his legacy will live on through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the lives he touched. Though the world feels dimmer without him, I will carry his light with me, striving to honor his memory every day.
Rest in peace, James. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for being my friend, my mentor, and my family in spirit. I’ll miss you always. Marvin gordon