The Personal papers series (1938-2017) contains files regarding Curtis's entry into his education and military service, correspondence (primarily with his wife, Vivian Rawls Curtis), materials connected to Albion, Michigan, awards received, a family roster, and materials that document his philanthropic work.
The Professional papers series (1949-2005) contains material related to James L. Curtis's medical career and advocacy for affirmative action within medical schools and centers. Dr. Curtis's medical career spanned decades, and his scholarship and research can attest to various research interests during his career. Topics of interest in his professional papers include HIV/AIDS, mental health (in children and adults), and the impact that race, class, gender, and parenthood have in regards to accessing medical services. During his career, he also advised college students of various backgrounds to assist with their success in college, and these student counseling files are included in the collection and may contain sensitive information about the individuals, such as their personal relationships, financial and housing struggles, and responsibilities they face. Patient records regarding a pilot study on psychiatric hospitalization of clients receiving public assistance also may contain sensitive information about their lives and medical conditions. Other record types include correspondence, research and reference files, manuscripts and prose, speeches, reports, and photographs.
The Audio-Visual series (1927-2016) contains photographs, scanned photographic material, and an oral history regarding the West Ward School, which was an all-Black school that Curtis's siblings attended.