Born in 1951 in Ferriday, Louisiana, James spent his childhood in the woods and on the water doing what country boys do, raising cane, and getting into mischief. As a young man, James signed up for the Army and served proudly in the Vietnam War.
When he returned from Vietnam, he married the love of his life, Rhonda, and they were married for 39 years. James worked at Barksdale Air Force Base in Civil Engineering until his retirement. James can be credited with making all of the decorative fleur de lis that adorn many of the base's historic buildings. He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter and he went hunting any chance he had.
James is preceded in death by his foster parents; his beloved wife, Rhonda; his brother, Joe Maples; and brother-in-law, Mike Dumas. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Danielle Maples of Youngsville, LA, and Veronica Sanders of Bossier City, LA; grandchildren, Maddie Wolfe, Isaiah Sanders, and Bradley Kinsey; sisters, Martha Rosevalley and husband Walter, Carrie Davidson, Gloria Lemoine and husband Randy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held to celebrate James' life at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel with Rev. Michael Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Park. The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, January 17, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Wolfe, Kevin Wolfe, Chris Kinsey, Keith Newman, Adam Hampton, and Randy Lanning.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woody's Home for Veterans.
