GEORGETOWN - Richard James husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pilot, fisherman, hunter, and friend passed from this life on October 17, 2014 at Bayhealth at Milford Memorial Hospital. Richard was born at home in Laurel, DE on October 29, 1930 to Charlie James and Evelyn Truitt. Mr. James retired from the Barcroft Co in 1996. Prior to Barcroft, Richard was employed by All American Engineering Co in Georgetown and Wilmington, respectively. He received his Associate Degree with honors in Mechanical Engineering from Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown. Richard was also Staff Sergeant in the Delaware National Guard where he served for 18 years. He loved to fly and had obtained his pilot's license many years ago. One of his passions was to build and paint model airplanes made from balsa wood, a meticulous process. Richard also trained bird dogs and loved to go 'ducking and birding' whenever he had the chance. Fishing was also a favorite past time as was surf fishing at the Inlet, pond fishing at Ingram's Pond in Millsboro and fly fishing. Richard was preceded in death by his parents: Charlie James and Evelyn Truitt; step-mother: Catherine Bloodsworth; and step-father: Lester Gordy. He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Dolly J. (Mitchell) James; step-sister: Jane Foskey, of Laurel, Del.; two daughters: Debi James and Denise James Gray and husband Robert; grandchildren: Benjamin James Gray and wife Sydney, Jonathan R. Gray, and Kiley James-Smith and husband Shawn; great-grandson: Carter James Gray; and nieces: Jennifer Schweitzer and husband Alan, and Cathy Beth Hastings and husband Brad. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 26, 2014, in the Chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street in Georgetown where friends may call after 11:00 am. Interment will be in St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to SPCA Sussex Chapter, 22918 DuPont Hwy, Georgetown, DE 19947.