Donald K. James

You can take the boy out of Kentucky, but you can’t take Kentucky out of the boy…

Don was born in Ashland, Kentucky on February 19, 1941, to Vernal K. “Ken” James and Gladys “Irene” Perdue. As he started school, his parents moved into a house built for them on what was previously a golf course. Don oft described his childhood as idyllic. He, along with his younger brother Ron, and baby sister Brenda (James) Pauley, spent endless days playing and exploring on the vast acreage that was their backyard. They cut and sold Christmas trees from their woods, gifting “nice” customers free silver-sprayed acorns as a bonus. Cousins who lived “just down the road” were always around for playtime and to assist with entrepreneurial enterprises.

While Don was attending the University of Kentucky at Lexington his Dad was transferred to Union Carbide’s Charleston, WVA facility and the family moved shortly thereafter. Don stayed in Lexington continuing his Bachelor and then J.D. degrees at UK. One of his proudest moments, while in undergrad, was serving as basketball manager to the renowned championship Coach Adolf Rupp’s basketball team, the shining moments of which were having his photo standing with Rupp published and hearing the coach yell his commands to him from the bench.

A lifelong Kentucky Wildcat fan who held season football tickets for 55 years and seized any opportunity to attend a UK basketball game, he was rarely seen not wearing some type of Kentucky gear which afforded him the delightful opportunity to strike up conversation with other fans and alums wherever he roamed.

The only thing more important to Don than his fondly held memories of his Kentucky past and his teams was his family and anyone he loved. He was a kind and giving man who always showed up with a helping hand where and when needed by a loved one or to share the joy of their celebratory times. His love knew no bounds. Nor did his kindness.

After Don graduated UK Law School in 1970 and began his career at the IRS District Office in Cincinnati, he transferred to the IRS National Office in Washington D.C. where he moved to pursue his LLM in Tax Law at Georgetown University Law School. it was there in the Washington area he met his wife Lorraine Lynch James, a next-door neighbor.

Don retired from his favorite job at Potomac Capital Investments (PCI), the investment arm of then Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO), (now EXELON) as Vice President, Leasing of PCI. He especially enjoyed finding innovative investment opportunities and traveling the world in pursuit of them.

In addition to his parents, Don is predeceased by his beloved brother Ron, of Newcomerstown and Massillon, Ohio and equally beloved niece Tedra Thomas of Louisville, Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife, sister Brenda, nieces Traci Thomas, Brandi (James) Ramey, Jennifer (James) Hye, and Molly Lahmers as well as nephews Robert James, and Michael Mckibben and their children. He also shared with his wife numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who loved him dearly, and he them. Additionally, he is survived by Goddaughter Margaret “Meg” (Reardon) Walsh and Godsons Timothy Frankenfield and Aaron Montague. Don also left behind many dear and loving friends whom he treasured beyond measure.

Don passed peacefully in Arlington, Virginia, on February 13, after a brief illness, one day before his 42nd wedding anniversary to Lorraine. Don is sorely missed by the many who knew and love him. Certainly not the least of these is his much loved and loving puppy Maeve who misses his presence and his belly rubs.

Services are to be held privately.

Donations may be made to Don’s favorite charity, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, via dogood.t2t.org/give.