James Dukes is the third son of Richard
and Emma Dukes along with three brothers and three sisters. He has two sons James E. Dukes Jr. and
Jeremias E. Elston.
James received his formal education in
Clarksville City Public School System where he graduated from Clarksville High
School. He furthered his education at Austin Peay State University,
Clarksville, TN, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health and
Physical Education. He continued his education with a Master of Science Degree
concentrating in Administration and Supervision at APSU. During his time at
APSU he was a member of the Student Tribunal and past Chief Justice of the
Student Tribunal. He was also a winner of the prestigious Wilbur E. Daniel
Award (first black Student at APSU).
James has been an entrepreneur for the last 20
plus years. He is the owner of Dukes Used Cars at 2415 Clarksville Pike,
Nashville TN 37208. He started this business on January 01, 2000 with his
partner Wade L. Phelps. He brought Mr. Wade out in 2007. He is the owner of
Orion Insurance Agency and is also the owner of Dukes Janitorial Services.
He is the former owner of Baskin Robbins
(BR) Ice Cream, the only African American owned BR in the Mid South. He was the
first African American to have an Independent Agency with Allstate Insurance in
the state of Tennessee. He also worked as a Life Insurance Specialist with
American General Insurance. He was a General Manager with Mrs. Winners Chicken
& Biscuit. After only one year as a
General Manager, he was then promoted to the rank of District Manager who oversaw
as many as six restaurants overseeing a budget of five million dollars.
James is a faithful member of 25 years
at Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church where he served as Trustee and Chairman of
Trustees for over 20 years, a member of the Inspiration Choir for over 20 years,
Men’s Choir, Vacation Bible School Co-Chair and a member of the Building
Committee.
James is Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity, Inc. where he has held numerous offices and chairmanships. He is
the immediate past Polemarch of Nashville Alumni Chapter, past Vice Polemarch,
past Keeper of Exchequer and past Board of Directors member. He has been
awarded numerous “Polemarch Awards” and has been the recipient of the Brother
of the Year Award four times. James is also an Event Planner for Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity, Inc.
He is a past South Central Province
Keeper of Exchequer and Board Member a member of the South Central Province
Choir, member and featured Soloist of the International Choir of Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was on the International Site planning committee for the
Grand Conclave Meeting to be been held at the Opryland Hotel in July of 2013.
James is the current President and one
of the four founding members of the Nashville Guide Right Foundation, Inc... He
was also a past Treasure and Board Member. Further, he is a NAACP Life Member
and past Board Member.
James is a 25 year past Tennessee
Secondary School Athletic Association Wrestling Official. He is a two time
Wrestling Official of the year recipient and was afforded the opportunity to
call six TSSAA State Wrestling Tournaments.
James was told early in life by his
father that he would able to do whatever he set his mind to. He has truly taken
it to heart.
