David Farragut James

David Farragut James 78, of Tucson, Arizona. A native of Fox Point, (Milwaukee) WI. He loved the lakes country, fishing and the woods. He was an accomplished fly-tier and trout fisherman. First a student at Milwaukee Country Day School, he transferred to Asheville School for Boys, Asheville, NC, where he was captain of the tennis team in 1952. He then graduated from The University of Wisconsin, where he was a member of Chi Psi fraternity. His career began as sales manager of Pabst Motors, a Milwaukee foreign car dealer, where he also participated in sports car racing with Augie Pabst. He then held several positions in sales for Midwestern companies, finally as sales manager at Sterling National Industries, Chicago. His interest in Native American culture, art and artifacts was matched by his interest in John Deere memorabilia. An example of his modesty is that he often sold products to divisions of Deere & Co. but never mentioned the fact that he was the great-great-grandson of its founder, John Deere. He was a lifelong musician with an incredible ear, starting with the banjo, playing with his brothers at age 12, then the guitar, and settling on the piano, which he played for most of his life with Dixieland bands in clubs in the Midwest and for private gatherings. He was the son of Charles D. James, former president and chairman of Northwestern Natl. Ins. Group of Milwaukee. His mother was Grace Velie James of Minneapolis, a writer and recipient of an honorary doctorate in public service from Northland College, Ashland, WI. David died at home on October 18, 2012 after a courageous and dignified battle with esophageal cancer. He was valiant. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara A. James; his two children, David John James and Gailyn James Wink; his stepchildren, Kenith Williams, Alan Williams, Joseph Williams and his beloved grandchildren, Joseph Williams, James Williams, Maxwell Wink and Caroline "Carly" Wink; his stepson, Paul Williams predeceased him. Survivors also include his three brothers, Alfred James III of Wichita, KS, Charles Velie James of Fox Point, WI, Douglas Craig James of Woodstock, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Memorial Service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, October 28, 2012, at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd.