James L. Ringgold was born in July 1918 to James L. and Martha Ringgold, who lived at 226 North Franklin St. in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  He was the oldest boy of 5 children:  Mildred, James Jr., Julia, Robert, and Lorraine.    His father, James, was originally from Maryland, and worked as a construction laborer.  The family later moved to 113 S. Penn St.

 James was educated in West Chester, and married his wife Nancy, and moved to 407 East Barnard St. in West Chester.  He obtained employment at the Sun Ship Yard in Chester.

 James entered the Army in November 1943, and was shipped overseas to European Theater in June 1944.  He served in four major battles.  While in France he was hospitalized for four months, and returned to duty in a Quartermaster Gas Supply Company, probably the Red Ball Express.

 The Red Ball Express was started by the Army Transportation Corps and involved 140 Truck Companies, (6,000 trucks and trailers) from August 1944 through November 1944. They delivered a massive amount of ammunition, fuel, and food across Europe to the rapidly advancing armies.  The Red Ball Express operated 24 hours a day traveling at 25 miles an hour in the Army’s famed Duce and a half (2 ½ all stake body truck). Supply runs were up to 400 miles, and lasted as long as 54 hours.  Seventy-five percent of the Red Ball Express Drivers were African American.

 His wife, Nancy, received a telegram from the Secretary of War on June 25^th, that James died on June 8, 1945 in Germany.  Subsequent information stated that he Died Non Battle, but no specifics were found.

His brother Robert served in the Army and was stationed in England.