James was born in Newnan, GA, on January 22, 1945, the son of Paul Joseph Jacobs, Sr. and Lillie Manley Jacobs. James grew up in Georgia and was employed as a Certified Plumber. He moved to California, where he worked for The University of California and retired after 30 years. James enjoyed target shooting, shooting sports, and collecting guns.
He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Jacobs Sr.; his mother, Lillie Lyons; step-father, Herman Lyons; a sister, Ruth Powell; and a brother, Paul Jacobs Jr.
Survivors include: a daughter, Melinda (Robert) Jackson; granddaughter, Christi (Kenneth) Culverson; grandson, Blake Jackson; great-grandson, Hunter Culverson; brother, Joe Jacobs; and several nieces and nephews.