James graduated from Northeast High School and continued his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He married his wife, Sharon, on July 6, 1963. He served in the Nebraska Air National Guard, until he was honorably discharged November 20, 1968. James was the owner of Kramer Electric and worked for Commonwealth Electric until his retirement in 2005. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 265.
Survived by his wife Sharon; sister Paula Larch; daughter Kelli (Gwen Dalton) Kramer; son Michael (Jennifer) Kramer; and grandson Brayden Kramer.
Preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jane Lemon, nephews Doug Lemon and Dale Rogers, and his niece Linda Lemon.
No services planned.
Memorials to The Little White Dog Rescue or the Diabetes Foundation.
Condolences online at www.roperandsons.com