He was born August 23, 1942 in Memphis, TN, the oldest child of Claude and Helen James. The son of an Air Force Lt. Col. the family moved extensively from coast to coast including time in Newfoundland.
After graduating from Lee High School in Springfield, VA in 1960 he entered the University of Tennessee. Roger married his first wife Barbara Bolton and they welcomed daughter Christin Anne in 1964. Roger joined the U.S. Army in 1963. He later attended Memphis State University and earned a Bachelor of Business Adm. degree while also working at Firestone. Roger’s ease of engaging people led to a 19-year career as a Sales Manager for Royal Doulton. He not only sold his products but also his charm as he married his most dedicated buyer, friend and partner, Trudy Ogata. They shared countless adventurous travels across the States and overseas.
Roger will long be remembered for his sly sense of humor, enormous heart and strong-willed nature. He was an avid golfer, culinary master, adored animals and loved reading. He was a dedicated fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and TN Vols.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Helen James, and younger sister Dana James Agnew. Roger is survived by his wife Trudy Ogata-James, daughter Christin Anderson and sister Debora Duckworth.
Memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter.
A service to celebrate his life will be held July 21, 2023 at 10:30am at the Collierville Funeral Home in Collierville, TN. Interment will follow at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, TN.
