Captain I – Fire Station 85
Deceased:
12/11/2021
Appointed:
10/23/2000
Assignment:
FS85
Services:
TBA
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
The Relief
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I am absolutely devastated with the loss of “WILD” Bill James. I was honored to have Bill as my “water-buddy” for a few years at 21’s. Bill was an amazing man and friend. His dedication to the Department and the members who make it up goes unmatched.
The loss of the Bill leaves such a pain in my heart, for which I find no other words to describe. I am a better person for having known Bill and his amazing energy.
I had the honor of having Bill James as a rookie firefighter right out of the Drill Tower in 2001 at FS34. I knew early on of Bill’s priorities in life, first was his loving family, second was the Oklahoma Sooners and the LAFD followed. Bill loved those Sooners. Bill was mature, educated, strong, clever, funny, quick-witted, etc. and showed tremendous courage under pressure.. God meant him to be a firefighter. As a rookie Bill was very sharp and everything came easy to him within the station and on the fire ground. He was one of the best rookies I ever had. As a rookie Bill always wanted to make my job easier, even at the end of a long shift he would sit down at the station computer and prepare his own Daily Activity Sheet and type in my comments on my Daily Observation Report. The DOR would start out by saying “Probationary Firefighter James had another exceptional day and performed above Department standards”. and would go on from there. Every shift he’d tell me to “just sign this Cap”. We would both chuckle and I would sign it. I trusted Bill James. Bill greeted everyone with that outgoing confident boyish smile and his sturdy handshake.. We worked around each other for many years in South LA.. I was proud to watch Bill’s reputation grow, everybody loved him. He made me even prouder when he promoted to Captain yet I always reminded him I should of fired him when I had the chance. I could go on and on about Bill. In closing the Department lost a good man. God Bless the James family. Rest well in Heaven Bill, you earned it. Job well done Brother.
Details Regarding Bill’s Public Memorial Service, Burial and Reception can be found here:
https://www.lafd.org/news/celebration-life-lafd-captain-i-william-r-james
Rest in Peace Sir, We’ll See You On The Top Floor!
Wild Bill and I worked together at 61’s. He was soft spoken when needed and raised the intensity when needed. Well respected and liked, Bill did his job with care and compassion. We lost a good one when he left us.
God Bless you, Bill. Rest easy, my friend.
A photo album of Bill’s funeral and internment can now be viewed at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lafd/albums/72177720295672441