James was a Sulphur native and lived in Zwolle for 2 years. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with his dogs.
Survivors include his loving wife Sheryl Ortego; children, Pam McGraw and her husband Chuck, Jr. of Sulphur, Billy Ortego and his wife Debi of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Cindy Ortego of Sulphur; 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Ortego; parents Absie and Irene Ortego; and brother Richard Ortego.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Pastor Vince Guidry will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Friday and from 8-10 a.m. Saturday, all at the funeral home. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
