James (Jim) L. James was born on June 6th, 1953 in East Aurora, IL, to Lewis and Lois (Gumz) James. He passed away peacefully on November 6th, 2025.
Jim attended St. Paul’s Lutheran and graduated from East Aurora High School in 1971.
Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
In 1972 he married his high school sweetheart, Marian Judd. The two had ten children and were married for 53 years.
Jim had a decades long career in Hydraulic Sales and Repair, which he began at his father’s company, L.F. James Hydraulics, in Aurora, IL. Later, he worked for Certified Power in St. Louis, MO, from which he retired. Following his retirement, Jim and his wife moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, in 2018.
He is survived by his ten children: Judd James, Adriane James, James (Jenny) James, Brian (Tenesha) James, Marni (Ron) Black, Clare James, Marian (Justin) Cano, Josephine James, John (Samantha) James, and Jamie (Brian) Stevener; as well as 28 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; all of whom were his pride and joy. Jim is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Alenna Olvera.
Jim is also survived by his brother, Don (Judy) James; and sister, Susan White. He is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Gary White; and his parents, Lewis and Lois James. He is survived by his beloved aunt, Janet (Gumz) French; and preceded in death by her husband, Willard French; his aunt, Marlene Gumz; and his dear uncle, Willard James.
Jim was a gifted athlete and dedicated sports fan, whose pastimes included playing and watching sports. Jim especially loved the Chicago Cubs. He was also a talented writer who regularly wrote love letters and light hearted poetry to his wife.
Jim, always a deeply religious man, became a devout Catholic after converting to the faith in 1984. He consistently attended church and prayed the Rosary nearly every single day for 25 years.
Jim had a charming, upbeat personality and warm demeanor that drew people to him. His happy ways and sunny smile earned him the nickname “Happy Pappy.” He remained steadfast, strong, uncomplaining, and optimistic in times of suffering and difficulty.
He enjoyed navigating and because of his keen sense of direction was dubbed “The Human Map” by his family. His children could always count on him for directions.
His kindness, humor, wisdom, and love will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
A wake will be held on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 545 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, on Monday, November 10th, 2025, at 2:00 pm with burial to follow at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his son, Judd James’s, recovery at: https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/medical-expenses-for-judd-james
