Oswald Philip James Sr., 80, departed this life on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at his residence in Lake Charles, La.  He was born Aug. 3, 1943, one of 12 children to Willie James and Louise Guilbeaux James in Lawtell, La.  He worked at Hahn & Clay Fabrication Machining 41 years from 1968 to 2009.  After retiring in 2009, Oswald and Mary moved to Lake Charles, La.  He loved spending time with family and traveling.

Oswald loved to travel.  In 1974, Oswald, Mary, Phillip and Lucy Guillory drove to New York by car in a 1974 Buick Rivera that he bought.  A couple of years later, Oswald, Mary, Jerry and  Mag Perridon rented a travel RV along with the children and traveled to California.  Oswald never missed a funeral of family, loved ones or close friend.  Oswald took sick in late April, 2023, went to Houston for treatment and was brought back to Lake Charles where he departed at home with family.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 60 years, Mary Leona Doucet James of Lake Charles, La.; his children, Oswald Philip “OJ” James Jr., and Tandria Marisa James (Nathan Martin) both of Houston, Texas; his siblings, Orelia Colliagan of Beaumont, Texas, Delores Guillory of Houston, Texas, Gloria Richard of Orange, Texas and Perry James of Houston, Texas; two grandchildren, Jaleecia Ashley James and Jona Angela Martin; one great-grandchild, Maya Chrystal Legall and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Louise James; five brothers, Ralph, Roy, Joseph Rene, Whitney and Harold James and two sisters, Gertrude Biagas and Maxie Lee Plummer.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at 8 a.m., at King’s Funeral Home and funeral service at 11 a.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of King’s Funeral Home.