William Gene "Bill" James was born in Toppenish, Washington on September 10, 1949, to Guy Ross James and Helen Olive Beers. He was the 4th of 5 children. Bill grew up in Dayton, Washington and graduated in 1969 from Dayton High School. During his youth he loved the outdoors, horses, and being a rowdy boy. Upon graduation he married Jean McKinley, with whom he had two children (Guy William James, and Elizabeth Brea James), and served for three years in the Navy on the USS Ramsey traveling throughout the Pacific Ocean. During his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren who served in the Navy over the years. After leaving the military, Bill returned to Dayton where he worked side by side with his father in his bakery. In 1977 he moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where he married Jerri Rumsey on May 19, 1977. Bill became a loving father to Jerri's three children (Michelle, Scott and Corey). They were subsequently sealed on February 16, 1980, in the Logan, Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together Bill and Jerri welcomed five more children (Chandra, Nathan, Timothy, Kyler, and Coby). After being married in Twin Falls, Bill and his family moved to Boise where Bill took a job working as a baker. After years of working as a baker, Bill was hired to work at the US Postal Service. Bill worked as a letter carrier until retirement in 2019. Although he left a career of baking behind, he was known and loved for the work he put into numerous wedding cakes for children, nieces, and nephews. Bill enjoyed the outdoors; biking, hiking, camping, and skiing. His love of the outdoors naturally extended to teaching his children and grandchildren. From the time he joined the Church, he centered his life on serving others and creating a gospel-centered home. Although he had many hobbies, his true joy came from his wife, children and grandchildren. Bill died at home on July 17, 2023, surrounded by family. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and three siblings - Charles "Bob" Barron, Linda Groom, and Theodore "Teddy" James along with a child that died at birth - Jeannie Lee James. He is survived by his wife Jerri, his children - Guy James, Liz Stetson, Michelle Michaelson (Rus), Scott Coon (Maria), Corey Coon (Luretha), Chandra Black (Randy), Nathan James (Katie), Timothy James (Jessica), Kyler James (Danielle), Coby James (Hali), and sister Donna Donnelly. In addition, he is survived by 35 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Services for Bill will be held at the LDS Stake Center at 3305 West Kuna Road in Kuna, Idaho. A viewing will be held Friday July 21, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and again Saturday July 22 at 10:00 AM. The funeral will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at the Melba Cemetery.