James Jones has a nickname.
Steve French -LRB- September 24 , 1959 -- June 22 , 2016 -RRB- was an American baritone who was the emcee , owner , and a founding member of the Kingdom Heirs .. Kingdom Heirs. Kingdom Heirs. Born in Mascot , Tennessee , French and his brother , Kreis , founded the group in 1981 ; both began performing musically at their church .. He previously traveled with regional groups the Crystal River Boys and the King 's Servants .. In 2002 , French and his brother faced the task of replacing three key group members who had all resigned at the same time .. Through skillful additions when necessary , they have managed to keep the group a fan favorite .. In addition to his past responsibilities with the Kingdom Heirs , he had served on the board of directors for the National Quartet Convention .. Kingdom Heirs. Kingdom Heirs. National Quartet Convention. National Quartet Convention. He died at the age of 56 on June 22 , 2016 .