More detail on this person: Robert Ernest James, 78, died on May 4, 2021 in Bakersfield, CA. Robert was loved and will be missed deeply. He is survived by his beloved wife Ricki, daughter Alexandra, granddaughter Ava, son-in-law David, cousins and many friends. Robert was born in San Fernando, CA on March 14, 1943 and was raised in Bakersfield until he was drafted into the US Army. He had an accomplished military career. Robert was in the Special Forces, completed two tours in the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was stationed in the US and Germany and was a Black Hawk pilot. After 25 years of service, he became a Chief Test Pilot for civilian defense industry. Robert then became a History teacher and taught at Thompson Junior High School in Bakersfield. He enjoyed organizing student trips to Washington, DC. Being a Vietnam War Veteran, he was involved with the Kern Veteran Memorial Foundation, including as a board member. Robert had a boyish charm and smile about him and made friends everywhere he went. He loved golfing, traveling, his family, reading, the Dodgers, gardening, and meeting his buddies in the afternoon for a beer. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elsie, brothers Marc and Fred. Memorial graveside service will be on May 20 at 10am, Greenlawn Funeral Home Northeast. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kern Veteran Memorial Foundation or Portrait of a Warrior Gallery in Bakersfield.
This information was last updated 05/14/2021
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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