Dennis Michael James was born January 3, 1964 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Ocal Carlton James and Mary Lou (Cardinal) Holder. He graduated from Wagoner High School in 1982. Dennis made his home in Hulbert for a number of years before moving back to Wagoner.

Dennis began his career in law enforcement with the Wagoner County Sheriff's office, later working for the City of Wagoner for twenty-five years, where he served as officer, dispatcher and jailor. He later returned to the Wagoner County Sheriff's office as a jailor.

In his spare time Dennis loved to fish and liked to attend auctions and garage sales.

He departed this life Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK at the age of 53 years, 11 months and 16 days. He was preceded in death by his father, Ocal Carlton James, and an uncle, Lee Boston, who was like a grandfather to him.

Left to cherish his memory are: his life partner of fifteen years, Pauletta Johnson of the home; three sons, Jordan Michael James of Kingston, OK, Dennis Matthew James of Wagoner, OK and Nicholas Carlton James of Wagoner, OK; his mother and stepfather, Mary Lou and Larry Holder of Wagoner, OK; his grandmother, Mary Boston of Wagoner, OK; a brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Tracy James of Trinidad, CO; two nieces, Crystal Snow and Jessie James; one nephew, Robbie James; other extended family and friends.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday evening at Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory in Wagoner.

The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am Saturday at Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel in Wagoner. Mr. Wendell Tenison will officiate.

Interment will be in Pioneer Cemetery in Wagoner. Pallbearers will be Tyler Cooper, Dustin Dorr, Jeff Halfacre, Mike Hammons, Adam James, Jamie Powell, Carl Stout and Bill Wilson.