Jimmy Ray “Jiggs” James was born the son of Jimmy Dean James and Glenna Ruth Hudson James on October 19, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa and passed in peace from this life on April 25, 2018, at his home in Koshkonong, Missouri at the age of 64 years.
He is survived by his former wife and cherished friend, Donita Harkins; dear friend and companion, Cynthia Vinson; one son, Jim Babka and wife, Beth; two daughters, Amanda George, and Chynna Smith and husband, Travis. He is “Papa Jimmy” to six grandchildren, Kiyra, Katelynn, Aiden, Stephanie, Mckenzie, and Tristand, and one great grandchild. He is also survived by nine brothers and sisters, Orville “Butch” James and wife, Yolanda, Michael Dean James and wife, Paula, John A. James, Alethia Bilotta and husband, John, Robert “Bob” James, Mae Lightcap, William “Rex” James and wife, Amanda, Jessie Foster, and Leann Croney and husband, Mark. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Glenna Ruth James; his father, Jimmy Dean James; paternal grandparents, Orville and Edith James; and maternal grandparents, Cecil and Jessie Hudson.
Jiggs was known and loved by many, far and wide, from California to the Carolinas, Pennsylvania to Texas.
He served honorably in the United States Army in Germany and stateside. After his service, Jiggs was a well respected and sought after industrial pipefitter who also enjoyed fishing, scratch-off lottery tickets and video poker, and hitting the bar with his buddies.
He was known as a little man with a big attitude and will be missed by his family and many friends.
Memorial graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Koshkonong Cemetery in Koshkonong, Missouri, with David Ball officiating.
Interment will be in Koshkonong Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer at https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/ or a charity of your choice.
Memorial graveside services for Jimmy Ray “Jiggs” James, age 64, of Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Koshkonong Cemetery in Koshkonong, with David Ball officiating.
Interment will be in Koshkonong Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.