Dennis Lee James

Dennis Lee James, 63, died Wednesday, December 20, 2017, with family by his side at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dennis was born in Little Rock on September 22, 1954 to Julius and Theone James. He leaves behind his mother, Theone James, his wife, Melinda Fair; his son, Julian James (spouse Marti Redlich); his daughter, Haley Coman (spouse Andrew Coman); Paige James, their mother. As well as his sisters, Julia McArthur and Linda Southern, and his brothers, John James and Danny James. Dennis was predeceased by his father, Julius Oliff James. Dennis was a lifelong resident of Little Rock, attending McClellan High School with the graduating class of 1972. He then attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and a Minor in Speech in 1975, where he was recognized on the Chancellor's List. He continued his education there obtaining a Juris Doctor degree in 1978. Dennis practiced law for many years first as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of the Sherwood Municipal Court, in a private practice Southern Allen James, and eventually started his own private practice which he maintained for 16 years. Dennis also served as Judge for the Wrightsville Court for 14 years as it transitioned from City Court to Municipal Court and finally to District Court. Dennis served as the Secretary of Treasury for the National Judicial College, progressing to the Vice President, and finally serving as the President of the National Judicial College. Additionally, he served as the President of the American Judges Association. He was well respected in the law community by his clients and peers. He shared his knowledge of the law with potential future lawyers as a sponsor for the Parkview Mock Trial team for 10 years. Dennis was an active member in many societies including: the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Pulaski County Bar Association, Arkansas Bar Association (International Law Committee Chairman from 1980-1982), Arkansas Municipal Judges Council, British Motoring Club of Arkansas, 1st Arkansas Infantry Volunteer (reenactors guild), and Indian Inter-Tribal Association of Arkansas. Dennis had a gift and passion for music. He was a talented singer, and could play guitar, banjo, and anything else that had strings! He sang with his family, the James Family Singers, as gospel singers traveling regionally in the South for many years. He sang in various church choirs and performed with many musical groups over the years. Rivaling his love for music was Dennis's interest in antique British sports cars. A vintage motorsport enthusiast, he collected and maintained many vehicles, from the yellow Triumph TR-3 that was his first car, which he kept, to the white TR-6 lovingly named "The Scalded Dog." He raced cars and crashed a few. Dennis enjoyed the feeling of the open road throughout his life. He was an active member and Triumph Marque Leader of the British Motoring Club of Arkansas. Dennis was also a student of history and an avid reader. He enjoyed participating in Civil War Reenactments as well as making and flying model airplanes with his son. He loved the outdoors and had a soft spot for dogs, particularly beagles. "My father, like his father, had the gift of gab," says Dennis's son Julian. His daughter, Haley, agrees that her father was gifted in many ways. Not only was he a talented singer, but a skilled orator who spoke not only eloquently, but precisely. His wife, Lindy, fondly remembers two of Dennis' favorite sayings: "love covers all" and "always leave them wanting more," which he always did. Many thanks to Fred Thomas, his caregiver, and Arkansas Hospice. On that note, we hope to see you at the service which will be held at the St. Paul United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 23rd at 2 p.m. There will be a reception following the service, and interment of the ashes at a future date. The Ruebel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. The family asks that donations be made to Arkansas Hospice or the church of your choice, in Dennis' honor.