Lee R. “Doby” James, 87 of Van Buren was born on August 27, 2016 passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016 in his home. He was self employed after he retired from the United State Army, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He also served in Japan, China, North and South Korea, Germany and Thailand. He was awarded 15 medals for combat and service to the United States Government. He was a life member of D.A.V., AMVETS, The Relisted Enlisted Association and National Association for Uniformed Services. While serving in Germany in 1958, Doby met his soon-to-be bride and introduced himself as Jesse James and Hiltraud has called him Jesse ever since. They were married on December 30, 1959 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was a member of the Van Buren First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle (Finch) James-Estes; his brother, Edward L. James; a niece, Barbara James Trafican.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 5, 2016 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial at Gill Cemetery under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Hiltraud (Reuther) James of the home; his son, Bill James and wife, Kristine of Damascus, Maryland; his grandchildren, Jessica and Owen James, Robert and Jennifer Garland; his niece, Debbie (James) Thomas of Van Buren; a nephew, Larry James of Bettendorf, Iowa; his great nieces and nephews are Nathan Teague of Van Buren; Chris, Julie and Kevin James of Iowa; and Debbie, Dan, David and Doug Trafican of California.

Pallbearers will be Larry James, Nathan Teague, Owen James, Kevin James, Chris James, Doug Trafican, David Trafican and Scott McBrayer.

Honorary pallbearers are Vernon Russell, C.W. Jones, Jimmy Donald and the Domino gang.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes to have donations made to Heritage United Methodist Church Food Pantry 1604 East Pointer Trail Van Buren Arkansas 72956

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