Past Department Commander Autrey James
With a saddened heart I inform the Department of California that our 105th Department of California Commander, Autrey James, transferred over to Post Everlasting on Saturday, November 9th. Commander James was an inspiration to us all in many ways and many encounters. Please keep his family in your prayers as they prepare for Commander James’ celebration of life. More information will follow as we receive it.
Sam Flores
Adjutant, The American Legion Department of California
Autrey B. James died November 9, 2024 at the age of 62. He was a Persian Gulf War Coast Guard Veteran and a member of Post 161 with 20 continuous years of membership.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Mari James, at 5004 Morgan Way, Antioch, CA 94531-8412.
RECORD:
Department of California Commander 6-30-2021 to 6-26-2022
Department of California Judge Advocate 7-1-2015 to 7-25-2017; 6-25-2018 to 6-30-2019
National American Legion Charities Member 5-19-2021 to 2022
National Americanism Council Member 2019 to 5-19-2021
National Department Advisory Committee Consultant 5-11-2023 to 2024
National Finance Commission Member 5-19-2021 to 2022
National Resolutions Screening Committee of VA&R Commission Chairman 2-3-2023 to 2024
National VA&R Commission Executive Committee Chairman 2022 to 2024
National VA&R Commission Chairman 2022 to 2024
Author: caLegion HQ
Chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans service organization and its Department of California is dedicated to serving the approximately 2 million veterans living in communities across the Golden State.
Mr. James was a Resource Officer at my high school in 1992-94 and had a major impact on my life. He was a kind, intelligent, insightful and compassionate man who always put students first. I have thought about him many times over the past 30 years. He will be missed!
I am very sorry to hear of Past State Commander (PSC) Autry James’ passing and we extend our condolences to his wife, Mari James, and the family.
I had the pleasure of working with PSC James and getting these resolutions adopted:
2020-012: National Cemetery Privileges for Reservists and National Guard
2022-014: Repeal “The Rescission Act of 1946”
2022-015: Exonerate The “Port Chicago Fifty” and “Philadelphia Fifteen”
The 2022-015 resulted in 16 June 2023, The Department of the Navy Announces Correction to Records of the ‘Philadelphia 15’
https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3431616/the-department-of-the-navy-announces-correction-to-records-of-the-philadelphia/
and on 17 July 2024, The Secretary of the Navy Exonerates 256 Defendants from 1944 Port Chicago General and Summary Courts-martial
https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3841792/the-secretary-of-the-navy-exonerates-256-defendants-from-1944-port-chicago-gene/
May God always bless you Autry, Mari, and family. May you eternally rest in heavenly peace.
Very Respectfully v/r Nestor Aliga,
http://www.CaLegion.org Manuel L. Quezon Post 603 life-member.
With deepest condolences to the James family.
We have lost an exceptional leader whose vision and dedication inspired us all. Let us carry forward the values that guided Autrey’s dedication, compassion, and unwavering support for our veterans. Together, we can ensure that Autrey’s spirit continues to guide our efforts in making a difference in the lives of those who served. Autrey you will be sorely missed.
Donna L. Smith
ALA DOC Membership Chair
Condolences to the Family of Past Commander Autry James. He was a great leader for the Department of California American Legion.He did great in leading The American Legion family. We shall surely miss him. God bless the family and sorry to hear about the loss of a love one.
Sincerely,
Warlito A. Moises
Past Cdr. of The American Legion
5th District