James' life began August 22, 1951 in Paragould, Arkansas. As a child his family moved to Stevensville. After graduating high school James worked at various factories until he went to work for the Michigan Department of Transportation in the Highway Division for 24 years and he operated the lift bridges for 10 years. When he wasn't working you could find James outdoors hunting, tinkering around, or shooting guns. He enjoyed shooting in pistol competitions and was a member of USPDA and IDPA pistol associations. For many years he was on a semi-professional paint ball competition team Guns of Paradise. James also found time to get together with friends to play poker a couple time a month and he was a member of the South Haven and Coloma Rod and Gun Clubs.

James' greatest joy came in spending time with his loving family which includes; his wife Charlene Roland; two sons Jason (Christine) Roland of Watervliet and Brian Roland (Mariana Ababei) of West Minister, CO; a stepson Jamie (Julie) Veersma of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren Brody, Sam, and Logan Roland, Jane Ababei, and Vanessa, Jack, and Olivia Veersma; his mom Bonnie Roland of Stevensville; three siblings Steve (Pam) Roland, Debbie Wright, and Karen (Rob) Varpa; and many nieces and nephews.

James died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 11, while vacationing in Big Rapids. His father James O. Roland precedes him in death. Friends may visit with James' family Monday, November 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet where funeral services will be celebrated Tuesday, November 17, at 11:00 AM. Following the services James will be cremated. You may leave a memory for James family at hutchinsfuneral.com.