James was born on December 27,1936 to Lottie and Edward Komer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the first of two children. He graduated from Langley High School and attended both Carnegie Mellon and Clemson University.
James joined the U.S Army in 1958 and served his country for twenty-one years. He served all over the world including tours in Vietnam, the Philippines and Izmir, Turkey .
His engineering specialty garnered many services medals including:
Meritorious Service Medal,
Army Commendation Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Senior Parachutist Badge
Bronze Star Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
After retiring from the Army he also served as a professor at the Valley Forge Military Academy encouraging young men to become their best selves.
Continuing to serve in his community of thirty years at Old Forge Crossing in Devon, Pennsylvania he was on many boards and using his love of engineering he helped make continuous improvements.
James took his last tour on August 7, 2021 after living a full, vibrant life full of love, leadership and service.
He leaves his son K.C. and Lisa, Lori Lee his daughter, and his brother David and Vicki to carry on his legacy of keeping days filled with love, keeping a smile on your face and a song in your heart.