James Douglas Stafford, born September 2, 1945, passed away on September 8, 2026.

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James will be remembered as a gifted musician, a devoted family man, and a deeply spiritual person whose life was marked by kindness, creativity, and steady faith.

James will be remembered as a gifted musician, a devoted family man, and a deeply spiritual person whose life was marked by kindness, creativity, and steady faith. A Christian who read his Bible daily, he believed strongly in the power of prayer and taught his daughter the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He was easygoing, had a good sense of humor, and was known for valuing his family and helping them whenever he could.

Music was one of the great callings of James’s life. For more than 40 years, he was a musician whose talent carried him from his early beginnings in Indiana to the vibrant music scene of New Orleans, Louisiana, where he played in many clubs and performed with several bands. He was a versatile instrumentalist, playing saxophone, trombone, flute, clarinet, keyboard, and some guitar. His repertoire included jazz and Top 40 music, and he also wrote many songs and original compositions of his own.

His love of music began while he was still in high school, playing in the school band. James graduated from Sheridan High School, and during those early years he and his brother, John Stafford, formed a combo with a group of friends. They called their group the "J.D. Bombers" Together they played at many American Legion halls, Elks lodges, Moose Lodge gatherings, and other venues. Their father, Willard, booked the gigs for them, and their parents, Willard and Olive, along with the parents of the other band members, lovingly attended performances as chaperones. Growing up on the family farm at what is now known as Pioneer Hill, James spent many hours at home practicing with John in the Boxley cabin, which they called the “Clubhouse.” Over the years, he also preserved much of his original music on audio cassette and later on CDs that were produced and sold.

James was also a man of artistic gifts beyond music. In his younger years, he aspired to be a visual artist. He could draw cartoons, create animated flip books, paint in oils, and work as a sculptor. That creative spirit remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

He also served his country with honor during the Vietnam era. From 1966 to 1968, James served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Thailand, where he worked in communications.

Above all, James’s life was rooted in love and care for others. He and his wife, Betty, cared for his brother William Jackson Stafford, who had Down syndrome, for many years until William’s passing. Together, James and Betty also cared for his mother during her final days. His brother John expressed it simply and beautifully: James was “a wonderful brother, and a wonderful person to everybody.”

James is survived by his daughter, Janna Waters, and son-in-law, Darryl Waters. He also leaves his granddaughter, Shanna Carole Waters, whose family brought him great joy, including his great-granddaughter, Erin Michelle Ervin, and his great-grandson, Bryant Daniel Ervin. He is also survived by his brother, John Stafford, and sister-in-law, Judith Stafford, as well as his nieces, Kookie Cinco and Aileen Gutierrez.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Betty Jean (Gill) Stafford; his father, Samuel Willard Stafford; his mother, Olive Easther (Cobb) Stafford; his grandson, John Paul Dawson Waters; his brother, William Jackson Stafford; and his sister, Jo Rita O’Brien.

James Douglas Stafford leaves behind a legacy of music, faith, compassion, and family devotion. He will be remembered for the songs he played, the prayers he offered, the care he gave so freely, and the warmth he brought to those around him. His life touched many, and his memory will be cherished with love.