Jake James was born on January 1, 1923, in Lewisburg, LA., to William and Lucille James. On January 16, 1944, he was united in holy matrimony to Lillie Mae Duplechain. To this union six,children were born. Jake was a truck driver for over 30 years before moving to Houston, Texas in 1968. He was an employee of Kroger Company for 25 years before retiring. Jake is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. He has been a member of the Knights of Peter Claver in Lawtell LA for 64 years.

He leaves to cherish his memory his very loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Lillie Mae James, two sons, Donald (Celestine) James and Larry (Colleen) James both Houston, TX. Four daughters, Ann Ruth (Aldon) Mays of Dallas, TX, Bonnie (Albert) Landry of Lake Charles, LA, Berdie (Elzie)Bellard and Theresa Nell (Morris) LaVergne both of Houston, TX; 19 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and church members at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucille James, two sisters, Rosa Gallien and Ruby Kelly and two brothers, Gervis and Willie James.