James Albert James, of Vienna, was born on May 13, 1932, in Maries County, a son of Martin and Lucy Evaline (McDaniel) James, and departed this life surrounded by his family at 9:33 p.m., on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, in the Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City. He had attained the age of 85 years, 9 months, and 14 days.

Following his graduation from the Vienna High School in 1949, Jim entered into active federal service in the Navy of the United States on August 7, 1950, at St. Louis, and served until May 13, 1954, when he was honorably discharged at the United States Navy Separation Center, Quonset Point, Rhode Island, at the rank of SK3, which he attained on May 16, 1953. During his naval career, Jim served aboard the USS Valley Forge and was awarded and entitled to wear the Navy Occupation Service Medal (European and Asiatic Clasp), the Korean Service Medal (3 Stars), the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. A man recommended for reenlistment and of excellent character, Jim's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country during the Korean Conflict.

Following his discharge from the Navy, Jim was united in marriage on November 27, 1954, at St. Louis, to the love of his life, the former Miss Mary Elaine Blair, and this union would be blessed with six children. Jim and Elaine lived in University City where he became employed as a fireman on March 16, 1956, for the University City Fire Department-St. Louis County, and worked there for twenty-six years, when he retired on August 1, 1982, in the position of Battalion Chief. Jim and Elaine moved their family to Vienna in 1970 to assist Jim's parents in the operation of the James Resort on old Highway 63 at the Gasconade River south of Vienna for seven years until the family sold the resort in 1977. The family became a supportive and faithful part of the Visitation Catholic Church in Vienna. Always active in the community, he was a member of the Visitation Knights of Columbus Council 13178, Vienna; a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, St. Louis; and supported the American Legion, the Eagles Club, and the Lions Club, all in Vienna, as well as Shriner events to help children. Jim thoroughly enjoyed playing cards, a good golf game, and along with his wife, he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Missouri Tigers, and Vienna Eagles sports fan.

Those left to mourn the passing of Jim include: His children, Brian James (Becky), Paul James (Pam), Connie Sandbothe (Art), Mark James (Mendy), Joe James (Sherry), and Jay James (Nicki), all of Vienna; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; his brother, Frank Donley James, state of Illinois; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charley Blair (Jan), St. Louis; six sisters-in-law, Shirley Mertz, Theresa Mullins, JoAnn Blair, Sister Christine Blair, and Rose Blair, all of St. Louis, and Brenda Blair, state of Louisiana; nephews; nieces; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of over sixty-three years, Mary Elaine James, on February 21, 2018; his father, Mart, on April 4, 1981; his mother, Lucy, on March 27, 1977; a brother and his wife, Robert M. "Bob" James (Irene); an infant brother in January of 1922; seven brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law, Carrie (Volmert) James, Preston Blair, Richard Blair, Jim Blair (Kathy), Steven Blair, Fran Cronley (Jerry), Judy Blair, Leonard Mertz, and James Mullins; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis Preston "Frank" and Hester Armenia (Walling) Blair.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Jim James are suggested by his family to the Visitation Inter-Parish School or to the James Community Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund with envelopes available at the Visitation Catholic Church or in care of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri 65582.