At Princeton Bill majored in mechanical engineering, joined Tiger Inn, and worked at WPRU. He roomed at 1879 Hall with Hugh Beach and Robert Hardin. He then went on active duty with the Air Force, where he served with Bill Glockner, Bill Dawes, Bob Magnus, and other ’55ers.
After Harvard Business School came the N.A. Woodworth Co., Touche Ross, and then a position running the Capital Cities Communications radio stations in Detroit, after which he started and ran its cable television division. In 1986, Bill started a new cable television company, James Cable, a successful enterprise he enjoyed.
A proud veteran of the Korean War, Bill loved his wife of 63 years and had many adventures with her.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; son William H. James; and daughter Martha J. Quay.