In loving memory of Michael James: 1964-2022

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Michael “Kirra” Todd James passed away at his home on Feb. 19, 2022, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at age 57.

Mike was born May 1, 1964, in Clearwater, Florida. He graduated from W.F. West in 1983 and joined the U.S. Army immediately after high school. Mike spent an unknown amount of time serving with special-ops/warfare groups under the Army and Air Force. During that time, Mike sustained an injury that sent him to Walter Reed hospital for two years and included a special visit from then-President Reagan. 

Mike settled in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and began a career as head volleyball coach at a private school, and started several other volleyball clubs in the area. His life revolved around teaching, training, and caring for those around him. Mike would give the shirt off his back to help anyone, especially his veteran brothers where he lived and many strangers he met along the way. 

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth James, in 2015. Survivors include his daughter Kendall James-Ferguson (Jon) of New Hampshire, his mother Sandy James-Main (Larry) of Spokane Valley, his brother Mark (Cindy) of Olympia, his sister Chris (Pat) of Vancouver, sister Kimberly James-Fix (Bryan) of Newman Lake, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

While he was qualified to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Mike wanted to live and die on the beach. Water and warm weather made him very happy. To honor his service and wishes, his final resting place will be Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

No funeral arrangements have been made at this time.