Robert Neil James

Robert Neil James was born September 16, 1929, in Portland, Oregon, and passed quietly on the evening of January 12, 2025. At the time of his death, he was being cared for at the VA hospital in Prescott, Arizona.

After graduating from high school, Robert enlisted in the navy and was trained in electronics and the earliest computer types available to the navy during the Korean war. While in training in San Diego, he met his future wife, Eileen Anderson, and they were soon betrothed. Together they were stationed in various locations as Robert continued rising in the ranks, ultimately reaching the level of lieutenant commander before retiring in 1983.

Robert, as well as Eileen, were both outstanding bridge competitors, often traveling considerable distances to participate in regional, national, and international events.

At one point, Robert and Eileen decided to tour the United States in their trailer, and after turning off the water in their home and locking the doors they began a three year journey to see the country they loved most. Robert was meticulous in his planning for trips, but had no preoccupation with how far they had to get each day….some days stopping after only 15 miles due to discovering a very pleasant spot wished to fully enjoy.

Interests included a passion for worldwide travel that would take Robert and his wife to every continent on the planet, and nearly every country…he didn’t have a desire to visit Madagascar. In the late 1980’s Robert decided that Sun City was the place to live, remaining there until moving to Prescott in 2017.

Robert remained navy to the very end.