James passed away peacefully in his daughter Lisa's arms at San Joaquin Hospital, August 16, 2012. James was born in Booneville, Arkansas; raised in Bakersfield, California; and graduated from East Bakersfield High School. After graduation, James joined the United States Navy and served 4 years in Vietnam. Upon returning to the United States, James took an interest in the oilfield industry and worked for several oil companies until finding a home with Key Energy in 1989. James took his responsibilities head on and always looked at the positive rather than negative. Implementing this positive attitude and professionalism, James was chosen to participate in Key Energy Services Rising Star Management Training Program. Accomplishing his certificate in 2006 further drove James to strive and excel to prove with hard work and determination that an individual can do anything they set their mind to do.

James was one of two children born to the late James and Darlene Herman, and beloved husband of Kathleen Herman for 17 years. James will forever be remembered by his loving sister, Linda Herman Eggenberg; beloved children, LeeAnn Herman Henson (deceased), Jimmy and Ragina Hernandez Herman, Lisa Darlene Herman Atkison; treasured grandchildren, Deborah Herman Hernandez and husband Oscar Omar Hernandez, Melissa and Jaime Herman, Paige and Jacob Atkison, Yvonne Rodrigez, Ralph Perez, and Jerry Henson; caring in-laws, Ella Mae Ellis and Danny Ellis, Shanna Ellis Clary and husband Jason Clary, Melissa Ellis Smith and husband Brian Smith, Danny Ellis Jr. and wife Michelle Ellis, Cindy Ellis Patterson and husband Tobias Patterson, along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him. James loved listening to Classical Rock music, building Hot Rod muscle cars, shooting and collecting guns, riding Harleys, fishing, laughing, being with family, having fun, and pranks with friends; and through his leadership and core values took several boys and turned them into respectful men who lead by example.

James touched the lives of numerous people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his own true trademark sense of humor until the Lord took him home. Friends and family are invited to a viewing on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Celebration of Life Center Greenlawn Southwest, 2739 Panama Ln., Bakersfield, California 93313. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Greenlawn Southwest, 2739 Panama Ln., Bakersfield, California 93313. Graveside services immediately following at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, California 93305. On behalf of our family, we would like to thank Kaiser Permanente and San Joaquin Hospital staff for their gracious care and hospitality.

Fair Winds and Following Seas ~