raking leaves

JA Williams (James) is a native of Los Angeles since before the days of the Watts Riots. A black belt in Chinese Kempo and Kung Fu, James also served in leadership activities as an Eagle Scout (1976)

 

Growing up in Los Angeles, he graduated from Dorsey High School and was accepted California State University at Long Beach. While there he played basketball and was a varsity team member the rowing team. This, while pursuing a degree in Civil Engineer.

 

In the 80's James volunteered with at-risk youth at East Lake Juvenile Hall (Christian Jail Workers) while working as an Engineering assistant and part-time in the evening as a limo driver. 

 

James has also had the privilege of serving (and driving) some of the world's top entertainers as personal security, which experiences have taken him all over the world.

 

His accumulation of experiences and passion for story telling began to beckoned him to another calling on his life, to produce films. 

From a prophetic word, James, aka ‘Deep’ formed Raking Leaves Productions in 2011. 

 

He has produced several award winning films that address the areas of Adoption, Racism, Bullying, Providence, Suicide, Brokenness, and currently a film centered around mercy entitled ”Emmanuel” which is currently being submitted into several film festivals around the world.

(Fall 2025)

 

James continues to write and produce his own films in hopes to impact humanity on a global level. In every attempt it is his mission to produce film works with great conviction, compassion, and courage. Where “life creates film, creates life”.
 

James continues to reside in Los Angeles, California with his wife and two adult children.

 

Psalm 34