William "Bill" James, age 78, of Milford, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Avera Holy Family Hospice in Estherville, Iowa.

William Robert James was born on January 4, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the son of Charles and Madeline (Murphy) James. Bill was baptized at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, then confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pocahontas. He graduated from the Pocahontas Catholic High School then began his working career, mainly as a heavy equipment operator. On October 26, 1985, Bill was united in marriage to Janyce Slaughter in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The couple settled in Milford where Bill retired in 2010.

Bill was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, swimming and music in his free time.

Survivors include his wife, Jan James of Milford, Iowa; daughter, Keli King of Sheldon, Iowa; sister, Therese (Jeff) Shaw of Grimes, Iowa, and brother, Greg (Briana) James of Reeds Spring, Missouri.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Madeline; his sons, Patrick James and Timothy "Charley" James; grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.