James Taylor James

December 11, 1927 – February 10, 2022

James (“Jim”) Taylor James passed away at his home in Lakeside, California on February 10, 2022, at the age of 94.

Jim was born and raised in Tilden, Nebraska. As a boy, he worked on his family’s farms where he developed an affinity for horses and an unparalleled work ethic. After serving in the navy during WWII, Jim relocated to San Diego, and he and his wife, Frances, started a family. He taught himself construction and eventually founded James Construction, a business he ran with his sons for more than three decades.

In the 1970s, Jim rekindled his love for horses and developed a new love for mules, which he kept throughout his life. He took up packing in the Sierra backcountry, and at one point, owned 2 horses and 7 mules (enough for a full pack string and all his grandkids). Every Memorial Day weekend, Jim could be found at the Bishop Mule Days Celebration. Never one to simply observe, Jim often helped with the Red’s Meadows’ 20 Mule Team and competed in several team roping events. He also spent several weeks each summer at Red’s Meadows Pack Station in the eastern Sierras.

Also in the 70s, Jim discovered barbershop harmony. He sang lead with the El Cajon Music Masters and San Diego Sun Harbor choruses, and performed in countless shows with his quartet the Rollin’ Tones. On Saturday mornings you could usually find Jim playing the guitar and singing, often trying to come up with a new parody song he could use in his quartet or around the campfire on one of Red’s Meadows’ horse drives.

Jim was also an avid sport shooter and won multiple trap shooting competitions throughout California.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Frances James, and is survived by his sons – Terry (Suzan) James, Alan (Dona) James, and Kenny (Susie) James; grandchildren – Kristin (Jeremy) Brown, Kenneth (Jennifer) James, Donny (Ashley) James, Neil (Kristen) James, Kelly (Erik) Duesler, Kenny Ralston, Leslie Ralston, Jason (Heather) James, and Deanna (Brian) Rankin; and many great grandchildren.

Jim is, and will forever be, sorely missed. Yet, we take solace in our knowledge that somewhere in heaven folks around a campfire are enjoying his chorus of Tumbling Tumbleweeds.