Billy Joe James

Born March 26, 1936 in Fordyce, Arkansas to Paul Dewey and Lucille Mitchell James. Bill was the youngest of five children and was raised by his older sisters after his mother passed away when he was two years old. He was preceded in death by his older brother, DJ. and three older sisters, Ethel, Evelyn and Claudia. Bill is survived by his loving wife Gail M. James of 66 years, and two children, Paul K. James of Grand Jct, Colorado, Joyce (Patrick) Burke of Montrose, Colorado. He was so proud of his four grandchildren, Kellen James, (Grand Jct), Kelsie (Dave) Garcia, (Hawaii), Matthew (Tiera) Lane, (Pocatello, Idaho), Christopher (Kylei) Lane, (Grand Jct). Three great-grandchildren, Skyler, Violet, Lucas and a baby boy due in January, numerous nieces and nephews in Arkansas and Colorado.

Bill graduated from West High School in Denver and went on to join the Air Force at 19. He began his lifelong work for the Department of Army at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Aurora, Colorado as a lab technician. He and his family relocated to Tooele, Utah when he transferred to Tooele Army Depot in 1976. He continued as a lab tech and chemist working for CAMDS where he made many friends and colleagues. He retired in 1986.

Bill enjoyed bowling, fishing, camping and tying flies. He taught us all to fly fish at an early age. With his quick sense of humor and his ability to fix almost anything, we will miss him dearly. Summers spent at the property in Fairview, Utah are some of our treasured memories with him. We will continue cheering on his favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and the Denver Broncos.

A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Grand Jct at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the James family.