Condolences Following Passing of AQHA Judge, APHA Hall of Fame Inductee, Bill James

AQHA Publicity

Bill James, 80, of Abilene, Kansas, passed away June 11 at the Village Manor Nursing Home in Abilene. He was born November 3, 1934, in Clay Center, the son of Raymond and Lenore (Rosiska) James.

He graduated from Clay Center Community High School in Clay Center, Kansas, and attended Kansas State University in 1952.

Bill married Carole Martin in March 23, 1969, and together they celebrated 46 years of marriage. In 1970, they bought their homestead, known as 3 J Ranch. Bill showed horses for 50 years, and he was inducted into the American Paint Horse Association Hall of Fame in 2012. He spent years traveling to horse shows, either showing or judging, which included judging the AQHA World Championship Show nine times.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Carole; daughter Terry Stover of Abilene; four sons, Kelly and wife Wendy of Clay Center, Dee and wife Anne of Kansas City, Kansas, Lon and wife Pat of Clay Center, and Loy and wife Kate of Salina, Kansas; 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Diane Taber; and sister Lynne James.

Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 16 at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. on June 17 at the Lifehouse church. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Abilene. The family suggests memorials be made to the Hospice of Dickinson County and may be sent in care to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd Street, Abilene, KS 67410. Online condolences may be sent at www.martinbeckercarlson.com.