Jamie Ray Artis "Don" was born on December 5, 1950 to the late Willie and Maggie Artis in Thornton, Texas. In December of 1956 they moved to Dallas, Texas where he attended T. C. Hassell Elementary and Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. High. In 1967 he attended Job Corp in Omaha Nebraska.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories (1) daughter Cheresa "Peanut" Perry; (4) sisters (his twin) Helen Garner, Genora Wilson, Ola Mae Roberts, and Jeraldene Wilson along with a host of other relatives and friends.