MSgt. Robert E. James, (Ret) age 83, of Battle Creek, died Tuesday March 12, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family members. Bob was born January 7, 1930in Detroit, to Edmund and Mary (Tatar) James. He married Florence A. Mals on November 6, 1954 in Detroit. Bob, was also called “Sarge” joined the Air Force in 1947 at the age of 17.Bob served in WWII, Korean War, and The Vietnam War. He also served in Louisiana, Illinois, New York, Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Nebraska, Japan, and Okinawa. He came to Battle Creek in 1971 as a communication’s advisor at the Battle Air National Guard Base and retired in June 1975, of 28 years of service. Bob was then employed by the Veterans Administration Medical Center for 13 years and had tended bar at Riverside Country Club, and assisted in the creation of the Base Exchange at the Air National Guard of Battle Creek. Bob was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Retired Enlisted Association, the PNA Club, AARP and St. Jerome Catholic Church. Bob enjoyed working in his flower garden, reading, decorating his home for Christmas was his favorite and traveling around the world with his family. Bob was an extraordinary man and lived life large. He will be missed by all who knew him, except one. Bob is survived by his lovely wife of 58 years, Florence, daughters, MSgt. Diana M. James, (Ret) of Battle Creek, Darlene (Carl Johnson) James of Battle Creek, and MSgt. Denise C. James of Pittsburgh, PA, sons, Donald E. James of Billings, MT , Douglas (aka Tony) A. James of San Diego, CA and MSgt. Dennis R. (Gwyn) James (Ret) of Battle Creek, grandchildren, Jeremy, Kaylee, Chelsea, Sara, and Chase, step grandchildren, Cory and Staci Pessetti, Nichole Sanchez and her three boys, Dominic, Dakota, Hunter, a sister, Rosemarie Pappas of Jacksonville, FL. The family will receive friends from 3:00PM to 7:00 PM Sunday, at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 N. Bedford Rd. A Rosary will be recited Sunday at 7:00 PM at the funeral home and funeral services will be held 11:30 AM Monday at the funeral home. Interment with honors will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Veterans Administration (Great Lakes) Home Hospice Care, St. Jerome Parish or a charity of one’s choosing. To honor Bob’s wishes and personality, please wear casual and bright attire to his services. Visit Bob’s web page at www.bachmanhebble.com.