James was born on April 20, 1958 to James Edward and Ruth Marie (Kilgore) Strickland. He was a longtime resident of Marlin, Texas.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories, wife, Vicki Shelley of Marlin; mother, Ruth Ward of Marlin; brother, Roy Smith, Jr., sister, Lisa Rhodes, brother, William Wellbrock, sister, Brenda Wellbrock, numerous children and grandchildren, great-grandchildren: Matthew Martinez, Layla Shelley, Maudbella Perdigone, Michela Perdigone.
