After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbia, he married Violet Mae Wilson and began his career as an electrical engineer working on aircraft, allowing him to support his family of seven children. James enjoyed creating music, singing, sports, hiking, prospecting, swimming, writing, and camping. He volunteered in the Boy Scouts and served in the LDS church. After time served in the Texas penitentiary, he moved to Utah.
James is survived by seven children, Joseph Benjamin, Adam Michael (Erica), Jonathan David (Kristin), Rachel Dawn (John), Jacob Aaron (Heather), Gabriel Noah (Morgan), and Joshua Caleb; and 16 grandchildren. Surviving siblings include, Connie Lee Burton (Stephen), Julie Ann Ryan, and Amelia Kay Evans (Mike). James is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Emer Jay; and sister, Nancy Jo.
