James was born in Oconto, WI to Wesley and Jane Jackson. When he was five years old, his family moved to Lakewood. Upon his graduation from Oconto High School, he served his country in the United States Navy, worked in the local lumber camps, and then took up farming. On August 5, 1939, James married Frances Smyth in Wabeno. He was a supervisor, chairman, treasurer, and assessor for the Town of Lakewood and also served on the Oconto County Board. James was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. Upon his retirement from farming in 1976, he spent part of each year traveling, hunting, and fishing in various parts of Canada and the United States.
He is survived by his wife Frances; two sons, James of Talmoon, MN and Lonny of Neenah, WI; three sisters, June Bergerson of Green Bay, WI, Joyce Woodall of Nashville, TN, and Lola (Mike) Dunsirn-Bucharama of Bonita Springs, FL; three brothers, Miland "Dick" (Ann) and Don (Vay) all of Lakewood, WI, and Ron (Doris) of Eagle River, WI; one brother-in-law, Ira Strong of Two Rivers, WI. Further survived by five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, other relatives, and friends. Preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Strong and a brother, Wesley "Jack" Jackson.
Visitation was held at the Suminski Funeral Home, Wabeno. A funeral mass was held at Saint Mary's of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lakewood on Thursday, December 24, 1998 at 11 a.m. Father Jerry Schmidt and Deacon Harold Orlowski officiated. Burial at the Lakewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jack Jeranek, Jim Francois, Dave Pitterle, Chris Jackson, Brett Jackson and Scott Jackson.