He was born July 11, 1926, in Butte, Montana, to Samuel H. James and Lilly Voisey James. He grew up in Butte and graduated from Butte High School. He attended Montana Teacher's College in Dillon for 2 years.

At the age of 17, his mother signed for him because he was under age and wanted to enlist in the Navy to serve his country. He was assigned to the escort carrier, USS Sargent Bay. He saw action in the Pacific Campaign and the ship was attacked by Kamikaze pilots on 4 different occasions as well as submarine attacks. He was at the invasion of Iwo Jima. Following the war, he became a profession musician, singing and playing stand-up base.

After knowing each other for only 10 days, Bill married Marsha Christenson on July 5, 1956 in Idaho Falls. Following the birth of their first child, Bill changed careers and entered the world of broadcasting and communications. He did several different jobs at KID and among them he was the weatherman every evening for a several years. He continued working as a musician on the weekends.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He played in golf tournaments throughout the Western States and was pit boss for his son, Paul James, in motor cross racing.

The family will greatly miss "Lord Muck."

Bill is survived by his wife, Marsha C. James of Idaho Falls; daughters; Christie L. (Wallace) Rees of Idaho Falls and Melodee G. (Keith)Heser of Salt Lake City; son, William P. James of Idaho Falls; nephews: Don (Sandy) James of Lewiston, Idaho, and Ed (MaryAnn) James of Butte, Montana; a cousin, Al (Pat) James of Butte, Montana; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, 2 sisters, and a great-grandchild, Tegan Rees.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 13, 2008, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls with Bishop Mike Phippen officiating. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Cemetery with military rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.