James graduated High School in Lindsay, OK. and soon there after joined the U. S. Marines, serving in Korea during the Korean War. After his discharg he returned to OK. where he was employed at Tinker, Air Force Base on a training program, where he was taught the art of welding. His parenta at the time were pastoring a church in Blytheville, AR. and upon a visit there met his wife Peggy. They resided in OK. City, OK. for a short time before removing to Los Angeles, CA. area where he was employed by Rocketdyne, but was later transfered to Neosho, MO. James later moved his family back to OK. City where he established his own welding business. While in this operation in OK. City he was involved in an accident on the job while unloading steel supplies. The steel some how shifted with some landing on his upper leg, crushing the bone. The bone was reconstructed, however severe damaage was done to the blood vessels in the area which caused him many problems later in his life and possibly brought on his early death. He later removed his business to Purcell, OK. and settled on a farm near Wanette, OK. His first marriage ended in divorce, he sold his business in Purcell and later moved to Choctaw, OK. where he manufactured and distributed a bearing greasing product that he had invented. At the time of his death he was living alone and was found dead in his home of a massive heart attack. James is buried in a plot with his parents and daughter, Jannie.