James H. Pilot was born December 7,1954 in Marshall, Texas to Pauline Bush.

He was raised in Marshall, Texas and graduated from Marshall High School in 1972. He then enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed in Norfolk, VA.

James was preceded in death by his mother Pauline Bush, his brother Isaiah Bush Jr., sisters Velma Bush, and Dorothy Nell Mitchell.

He leaves to mourn three brothers: Homer (Larnetta), Lawrence (Dorothy) and Nathaniel. One sister; Ella, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.