Ernest Edward James, 81, of Inverness, Fla., died November 7, 2013 under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County.

Ernest was born on March 29, 1932 in Bath, Maine to the late Ernest C. and Melva (Bixby) James.

He served our country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Ernest was an iron worker for Iron Workers Local #292 in Michigan for over 35 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. A devoted family man, he also enjoyed woodworking and stained glass art.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 58 years, Rose Marie James; sons, Michael (Denise) James of Inverness, Fla and Robert (Carey) James of New Buffalo, Mich.; his daughter, Terri Lee (Pat) Logan of Inverness, Fla.; his siblings, Kevin James, Bill James, Valerie Hinckley, all of Wiscasset; Frances Cray of Richmond, and Mamie Chapman of Dresden; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by brothers Frank, George, Charlie and a sister, Iona.

A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held on Monday, Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Friends are invited to join the procession to the cemetery at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home at 1:15 p.m.