Kenneth Robert James, 72, also known to many as Kenny or Bubba, died on Oct. 21, 2025.
Mr. James was born on June 14, 1953, in Florence and was a son of Della Evelyn and Wesley Paul James. The family lived in Coolidge and moved to Casa Grande when he was 14. He graduated from Casa Grande Union High School in 1971.
He became a licensed plumber and owned a company, James & Associates. Later in life, he joined the Teamsters Union and enjoyed working in the movie business driving actors to filming locations. He had many good friends in the film industry including actor Robert John Taylor, star of the “Longmire” TV series. His dream job was to be a gold treasure hunter, and he was enthralled with searching for gold. Throughout his life he was very friendly and known for his sense of humor. His responsible nature drew people to him, and he was very loyal to his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Meek; a son, Ryan James; a brother, Steve James; a sister, Shelly James; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother and sister, Walter "Duke" and Shelly James.
Celebration of life at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at Trinity Southern Baptist Church, with reception following at the reception hall.
Casa Grande Dispatch, November 7, 2025
Mr. James was born on June 14, 1953, in Florence and was a son of Della Evelyn and Wesley Paul James. The family lived in Coolidge and moved to Casa Grande when he was 14. He graduated from Casa Grande Union High School in 1971.
He became a licensed plumber and owned a company, James & Associates. Later in life, he joined the Teamsters Union and enjoyed working in the movie business driving actors to filming locations. He had many good friends in the film industry including actor Robert John Taylor, star of the “Longmire” TV series. His dream job was to be a gold treasure hunter, and he was enthralled with searching for gold. Throughout his life he was very friendly and known for his sense of humor. His responsible nature drew people to him, and he was very loyal to his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Meek; a son, Ryan James; a brother, Steve James; a sister, Shelly James; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother and sister, Walter "Duke" and Shelly James.
Celebration of life at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at Trinity Southern Baptist Church, with reception following at the reception hall.
Casa Grande Dispatch, November 7, 2025
