9/30/40-10/27/18
James was born September 30, 1940 in Canton, MS to Jesse Williams and Elizabeth Dykes. He was the oldest of 10 children. He graduated in 1959 from Rogers High School in Canton, MS. Soon after graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he worked on airplane electrical systems and autopilot features. The service took him to places like Pakistan and Bedford, England. James was honorably discharged in 1968 at Fairchild AFB. A good friend encouraged him to take an apprenticeship as a Sheet Metal Worker, where he excelled in this trade that would become his lifelong career. In 1974 he married Ruby Root and had two children together. They were later divorced. The lack of steady employment in Spokane took James to Portland, Oregon to find better opportunities for work. He took pride in having worked on numerous buildings and shipping vessels in the Portland area. He bought a house in nearby Vancouver, WA, where, after retiring he enjoyed fishing, handyman projects, competitive games of dominoes, playing the lottery, and golfing every chance he could get. James, affectionately called Roscoe by many, was a founding member of the Pine State Golf Club in the mid 70’s. He was an active member for over forty years where he held titles of President, Vice President, Tournament Chair and Club Champion. He returned every year to Spokane to play in Pine States' Juneteenth tournament as well as supporting the other clubs of the Northwest Golf Association. Around the course Roscoe always had advice, a curse word or two, and a smile after he won your money!
James is survived by siblings Ruth Ann, Janice, Wardell, Tommy, Ondra, and Marilyn, his children James Earl Van Dykes of Palermo, Sicily, James A. Dykes and wife Jen of Spokane, and Elizabeth L. Dykes of Spokane. Grandchildren Regena Barnes, Dylan Dykes, and Jesse Dykes. Great-grandchild Destiny Catholdi and longtime companion, Karen Dye. He leaves behind numerous good and loyal friends he met during the course of his life. He was preceded in death by both parents and stepmother Bettie Williams, brothers Nick and Lee and sister, Jessie May.
Funeral service to be held on Tuesday November 6, 2018 at 11:00 am at Ball and Dodd Funeral Home 5100 W. Wellesley Ave. Spokane, WA. 99205, with Rev. Percy "Happy" Watkins presiding. Military honors and graveside service will directly follow at Washington State Veterans Cemetery 21702 W. Espanola Road in Medical Lake.
