Charles James has a full life in retirement: The 83-year-old volunteer supporter of the arts and veterans in Miami Lakes is a husband and grandfather, and an actor and model.
A recent role was as an extra, playing a doctor in the Netflix film, “Wish You Were Here” that is currently streaming, he said.
He also participated in a TV special about Alzheimer’s disease in the African American community that aired last fall on local networks.
In Miami Lakes, James is a member of the Cultural Affairs Committee and with his wife Jacqueline James, hosts the town’s annual Veterans Day parade.
A U.S. Army veteran, James belongs to American Legion Post 144 in town and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8195 in West Park.
James is also a member of the Main Street Players board of directors and is the concessions manager.
“The theater is my heart,” James said.
He and Jacqueline live in Pembroke Pines; they have five adult children and six grandchildren.
Q: Where are you from and what is your background?
A: I’m from a small town outside of Houston called Conroe. I graduated from Texas Southern University and I got a direct commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. Then I shipped out to Vietnam with the 25th [Infantry] Division, my medical battalion was a part of that. After the war I was stateside. I did 22 years active duty, in hospital administration, and 23 years, high school JROTC [Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps].
Q: What do you like most about Miami Lakes?
A: It’s been over 20 years I’ve served as a volunteer in town. I originally lived there. After the divorce I moved out, but council members would grandfather me in on the committees. It’s a town that has everything you need. We’ve got a theater, a movie theater, great restaurants, great schools, parks, all kinds of recreation. It has just about everything a person needs to thrive. And if you want to be a volunteer, they have several groups and there are events at least twice a month: a concert, a bicycle ride, youth activities. There is something for everybody. And there is a great Chamber of Commerce.
Q: What do you dislike about the town?
A: I really don’t dislike anything.
Q: What are the responsibilities of your current position and what do you hope to accomplish?
A: I’ve adopted a motto: Every day I do something positive for somebody. Whether it’s helping someone get a grocery cart or pay for their items … I think the more I give, the more I receive. I feel good about doing it. I have a very good life, a great family and a beautiful wife. We’re good for hamburgers and hot dogs for the rest of our days.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment, personal or career-wise?
A: I’m very concerned about veterans with disabilities. Every time I see a veteran, I encourage him to file a claim with the [Veterans Administration]. I’ve probably told a couple hundred people to do that. It increases their monthly payments, which they can use for their house payment, their grandchildren or put toward their church or other interests.
Q: What would you rather have done, what was your fantasy career?
A: I wanted to be a professional baseball player. I spent six weeks in the rookie camp in the St. Louis Cardinals, I played second base. … they let me go. I already had my degree, and that’s when I joined the military.
Q: What books are you reading, and are there any podcasts that you’re listening to?
A: “The Life of Mike Simmons: An ordinary Bajan Boy.” I’m actually in it. He wrote a book about the [Miami Disabled Veterans’ Golf Association]. It started at [International Links] Melreese [Country Club].
Q: What have you streamed/binge-watched on TV?
A: I watch all the sports.
Q: Where did you last travel to on vacation?
A: We did a cruise around the Caribbean last summer. We pick a place where we can chill out.