James was born on November 20, 1945 in Spearman to William and Ruby McElreath. He was raised in Spearman, graduating from Spearman High School in 1965. He then married Kay Frances Burger on June 17, 1967 and they raised 2 sons together, Doug and Heath. She preceded him in death on April 17, 2009. James worked as a truckdriver for Roadway for close to 30 years. Throughout his career, he recorded over 3 million miles driven. On April 20, 2020, he married Carolyn McDonald. He was a kind, loving husband throughout their marriage.

In his free time, James enjoyed fishing with his trucking partner, Lee. He was a talented artist, sketching and doodling as often as he could. He was known to be a story teller and a jokester and enjoyed watching old westerns. Above all, he loved his family and cherished being "Pepa" to his grandchildren.

James is survived by his wife, Carolyn McDonald-McElreath of Amarillo; 2 sons, Doug McElreath and wife Kim of Amarillo and Heath McElreath and wife Alryna of Friona; step-daughter, Lauri McDonald of Amarillo; step-son, Jerry McDonald and wife Becky of Amarillo; 3 sisters, Brenda, Linda and Kay; brother-in-law, Don Burger and wife "Bug" of DFW; 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and his beloved dogs, Pixie, Maggie and Velvet.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kay Frances McElreath and his dog, Molly.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?idb=974478177&1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400&mfc_pref=T&idb=0