James was born the first of nine children of a clergyman and a factory worker, David and mother, Berdis (Jones) Baldwin.
 
Graduated from high school and moved to New Jersey to begin working as a railroad hand.

Lived in Harlem for a period of time.

Baldwin was a store front preacher from age fourteen to age seventeen. He started writing primarily as a way to be loved. He attended Frederick Douglass Junior High School and he graduated for Clinton High School.

His best-selling essay collection, Nobody Knows My Name won many recognitions to include one of the best books of the year, this was a major accomplishment of Mr. Baldwin.

Died of Stomach cancer.

Loved to write essays, stories, and books.

Struggled with self-identity.  Baldwin was also a homosexual.