James Charles Rivers (JC) was born October 6, 1939, to Lumb "Jack" Rivers and Odessa Paul in Shiro, Texas. James attended Shiro Elementary and graduated from George Washington Carver High School as "Valedictorian," class of 1958. James subsequently transitioned to Houston, Texas, matriculating at Texas Southern University, graduating with a degree in Pharmacy from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. During his studies at Texas Southern, James worked at the Laughlin Company and was also a member of Chi Delta Mu Fraternity (Professional Allied Health Professionals).

Shortly after graduating and starting his professional career, James met Ernestine Winfrey while working at Hopkins Pharmacy in Acres Homes on West Montgomery. They were wed on December 17, 1966, at Highland Heights Church of Christ. Not long after, James obeyed the Gospel being baptized into the body of Christ during a Gospel meeting at Studewood Church of Christ. James and Ernestine began worshipping at North Wayside Church of Christ in 1970. To this union, in the summer of 1971, one son was born, Patrick Charles Rivers (his pride and joy). In 1976 he desired the work of a Deacon and was added to leadership in the Lord's work in the Settegast area of North East Houston, and in 1981 he desired the work of Elder and was ordained as an Elder of the congregation. In 2005, James embarked on a new spiritual journey and ordained as Elder of South Union Church of Christ. On October 30, 2011 James became a cornerstone of the Pearland West Church of Christ leadership where he was ordained as Bishop; a journey leading him to serve in the Eldership at three Houston Area congregations of churches of Christ during his lifetime.

James' professional career was vast leading him to work at the historic Riverside General Hospital, Hopkins Pharmacy in Acres Homes, and St. Joseph Hospital Pharmacy. James went on to own 20th Street Pharmacy and the JR Prescription Shoppe in the Fifth Ward of Houston. James went on to work with the Harris County Hospital District as the Director of Pharmacy at Jefferson Davis Hospital where he also further designed the pharmacy at, the then, new Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. He continued his journey in the HCHD at Ben Taub General Hospital, Quentin Mease Hospital, and Thomas Street Clinic. When James retired in 1996 from the HCHD he worked as a Relief Pharmacist with Cardinal covering areas from Houston to Beaumont, to Angleton, and places in between. His professional memberships included the American Pharmaceutical Association (APA), Texas Pharmaceutical Association (TPA), the Houston Pharmacy Association (HPA), amongst a host of others. James was also a member of the Cambridge Who's Who.

James Charles Rivers (JC) was affectionately known by some as "Dr. Feelgood." James loved George Washington Carver High School, Texas Southern University, and the Houston Rockets/Astros/Oilers/Texans. He played softball for the North Wayside Church of Christ Men's team and sang Bass in the North Wayside Church of Christ Chorus.

James is preceded in death by his father, Lumb Rivers, and mother- Odessa (Paul)Shaw. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Ernestine W. Rivers, a son, Patrick C. Rivers and daughter-in-law, Camilia Rivers, grandchildren, Tellis Broussard and Zoe Giselle Rivers, and a host of family, extended family, and friends.