James was born on April 8, 1934 in Omaha, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his parents James Sr and Helen, his first wife of 45 years Mary Ellen Froelich, and his two sisters Bette and Marjorie.
James graduated from Creighton prep in Omaha, and then graduated from Georgetown University in Washington then he recieved his Law degree from Creighton Univeristy.
He became a Board Certified tax expert in 1983 and after completing the exam he said it was the hardest test he ever had to take.
James was a captain in the Air Force. He moved to Dallas in 1964 and began his private law practice in 1967.
He is survived by current wife Mary Martha, son Jordy, daughter-in-law Sherrie, granddaughter Skye and husband T.C., two grandchildren Jayden and Tre, three sisters Barbara, Jonie, and Mimi, and numerous nieces and nephews located throughout the U.S.
