Connersville- William R. James "Bill", 75, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2009, at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. Bill was born in Andersonville, Indiana on March 11, 1934. He graduated from New Salem High School in 1951 and was honorably discharged from the United States Army after volunteering to serve his country during the Korean War. He lived most of his life in Connersville, Indiana and retired as Plant Manager from Roots Dresser Industries in 1994. He was a 50 year member of the Andersonville Masonic Lodge. He loved gardening, woodworking, and bird watching, and enjoyed flying his ultralight for many years. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Jo Brokering of South Lebanon, OH and Jane L. Haniefy of Cincinnati, Ohio; two sons, Charles E. James of Florida and Frank A. James of Indianapolis, Ind.; his ex-wife Emmaline F. James; seven grandchildren, Bobbi Jo Ware, Chris M. Collins, Amanda K. Faulk, Jeremy L. Collins, Rodney M. Holmes, Emily J. Tipton, Elizabeth Combs, and twelve great-grandchildren; a sister Jo Anne LaFollette of Connersville, Ind.; a half-sister Francis Davison of Connersville, Ind.; and niece Judy Stevens of Connersville, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Esther Hannefy James; his son William R. "Rick" James, Jr.; his brother Gilbert E. "Gib" James; three half-sisters, Frieda "Peg" Runyon, Ada Blickensderfer, and Mary Burns; and two half-brothers, Thomas Spear and Charles Spear. Memorial services will be held at Hopewell Cemetery in Rush County at the convenience of the family. Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home in Dublin has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of William R. James to the Connersville Senior Center, 618 N Central Ave, Connersville, IN 47331.