James, a resident of El Cajon, CA, died June 6, 2013. He was born in San Diego and joined the Navy at age 17 during WWII. After the war, he heard about smokejumpers needing men and he joined the group in Missoula jumping the 1946-47 seasons.

He spent his later career delivering water for Sparkletts, a pioneer in the bottled water business. Jim retired in the late 80s.