John William James, 57, Dodge City, died Sunday, June 27, 2010 at his home.

He was born Sept. 15, 1952 at Norwalk, California, the son of Orval K. and Evelyn Ripley James. John grew up in Chanute and attended Chanute public schools. He graduated from Neosho County Community College in Chanute and later graduated with a communications degree from Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland.

He lived in Emporia and Kansas City before moving to Dodge City in 1998 where he was co-owner of Southwest Engineering and Cable Systems.

He was a member of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce and was also a BICSI member. John was an avid sports fan, especially loving Jayhawk basketball, Chiefs football and Royals baseball.

Survivors include his daughter, Serina James-Ford and husband, Steve, Emporia; three grandchildren, Carli James, Shelby Ford and Cammie Ford.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Evertt James.

Memorial service will be 6 p.m. Friday, July 2 at Burkhart-Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Father Ted A Skalsky presiding. There will be a book signing on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Burkhart-Ziegler Funeral Chapel. There will be no public visitation, cremation has taken place.

The family suggests memorials to the John James Grandchildren Education Fund in care of Burkhart-Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, KS 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.burkhart-ziegler.com.