Robert L. "Bob" James, Jr., 83, formerly of Dresden, Ohio died Sunday morning, November 5, 2017 at Genesis Morrison House in Zanesville, Ohio.

Born August 26, 1934 in Unionville, Missouri he was a son of the late Robert L. James, Sr. and Dollie Pearl Elizabeth (Snyder) James and he was a 1952 graduate of Dresden Jefferson High School. Mr. James was also a graduate of Ohio University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Education. He proudly served our country in the U. S. Army. Bob retired in 1998 from Tri-Valley Schools where he taught Physical Education and Health and he was a school bus driver for many years. He was also a well-known coach at Tri-Valley, coaching football, softball, baseball and track. After his retirement from Tri-Valley he was a shuttle bus driver for the Longaberger Company and he delivered meals to the Dresden Senior Center. Bob was active in the Jay Cee's and was a very avid fan of all Tri-Valley sports. He enjoyed antique cars, having owned several over the years. His motto to family, students, athletes and friends, was "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right". He will be truly missed by our community.

Surviving is his loving wife of 63 years, Shalah L. (Stuller) James whom he married November 6, 1954; one son, Todd (Stacy) James of New Albany, Ohio; two daughters, April (Mike) Holmes of Coshocton, Ohio and Brooke (Jamie) Sands of Zanesville; seven grandchildren, Baylee James, Blake Sands, Sophie Sands, Simon James, Regan James, Eliot James and Joseph Holmes and one great grandchild, Carter Holmes. Also surviving are two sisters, Nancy (Gary) Williams of Frazeysburg and Linda (Larry) Miller of Winter Haven, Florida; two sisters in-law, Barbara Callahan of Zanesville and Kathy (Raymond) Griffiths of Colorado; several nieces and nephews and his two "best friends", his dogs, "Rita" and "Bogey".
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers, Wayne "Jesse" James, Harold "Pete" James, William "Bill" James and Larry James.

Calling hours will be 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at the Dresden Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 714 Main Street. Calling hours will also be for one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral services will be NOON Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Granger officiating. Burial will be in Dresden Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Muskingum County Animal Society, 1430 Newark Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or to the charity of one's choice.