James Edward Strickland was born in Little Rock, Arkansas.Oct. 15, 1949 to Evelyn and James Quenton Strickland.

His family called him James and his friends and coworkers called him Jim. James was an important name to him because it was his dads name, James Quenton and his grandson Blake James middle name. A great source of pride for him as he lost his father early in his life and Blake James will carry on their name.

James served in the US Navy on a submarine tender as a welder in a sheet metal shop at the time of the Vietnam war. James was patriotic, proud of his military service and the service of others.

He was a pipeline welder and fitter in the oil fields for his entire working career. In his retirement he coached and taught many young men to start their own careers as welders.

James met his wife Barbara while working on the Belridge oilfield lease in McKittrick, Ca. Barbara was put on his crew as a roustabout. Jim was a tough taskmaster, the pusher said they bicker like an old married couple. 10 years later they were a married couple for another 31 years.

With their marriage Jim gained a family and became dad to Barbara's children Cheryl, Rachelle,Derik and Papa to their children Johnny, Tammy, Brandi, Alexis, Nicolette and Blake James.

Hunting, fishing, camping with family and his buddies took up a lot of the free time he loved. After he and Barbara married a trip to Cabo San Lucas was on the itinerary every February celebrating their wedding anniversary and some deep sea fishing. Jim's favorite memories are fishing trips with family and friends. Just this past February he took Blake James out to fish for marlin. It happened that Blake caught two marlin and helped his grandpa reel his in. Friend Rob Grimes said everyone in Cabo had to have heard the story, Jim was telling anyone who would listen and Rob said he was sure some who didn't understand English.

Jim's children and grandchildren were the light of his life.

James passed away Aug. 10, 2023 at the age of 73 in his shop at his Shafter residence. He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Derik Stanley, daughter Rachelle Thompson, brothers Roger Strickland Don Strickland, Willie Strickland and Levi Carpenter, beloved grandchildren, niece's and nephews.

James was a member of the Westside church of Christ in Bakersfield, Ca. Was a baptized believer and awaits our reunion.