Emerson Lee James III, age 86, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. He was born on January 22, 1939, in Meade, Oklahoma to Emerson James II and Agnes (Hauff) James.

He had a sister, Chris Buford and brother, Donald James.

He married Shirley June Moore on June 28, 1958

They had two daughters and two son-in-laws: Michelle Newton and Stacey Henderson.

Two son-in-laws, Richard Newton and Dan Henderson.

Six grandsons, Brent, Chad, Brian and Chris Newton. Thaddeus and Zaccheus Henderson.

Four grand daughter in laws: Shelbi, Hailey, Kenra and Lindsey Newton

Nine great grandchildren, Conner, Haylee, Carson, Cole, Jaxyn, Piper and Corbin Newton. Zayden and Kashton Henderson

His grandmother called him Sonny Boy and as he got older, the 'Boy' was dropped and he was to be called Sonny for the rest of his life .He was known to family as Sonny, Daddy and Papa Sonny. To friends he was Sonny.

After the passing of his father, his mother gave Sonny and his brother Donald the family cotton pickers. They sold them to buy a backhoe. In the meantime Donald continued to work in water well drilling to help support the start up of Sonny's Backhoe Service. Donald then began Don James Excavation. Sonny and Donald were known for their reliability and strong work ethic in Bakersfield and surrounding towns.

He enjoyed playing basketball and softball in his younger years and golfed in his latter years.

He was gifted in pencil sketching, paper art and designing backhoe implements.

Sonny would meet Jesus in 1967 and would spend the rest of his life telling all that he came in contact with about the love and saving power of Jesus Christ his Savior.

He loved God, his family and his church.

The Family would like to acknowledge those involved in Sonny's last season of life:

Bakersfield Family

Tami James, niece and caretaker

Susie Jones, friend and problem solver in helping to make Sonny's life comfortable

Brenda Childress, friend and transportation

Pastor Darren Jennings and Church On The Way Ministries family

Blue Pearl Care Home Owner Petro Crisostomo and staff: Eddie, Marie, Veronica, Jackie, Lisa, Jelyn and Medy

Hallmark of Bakersfield Assisted Living and staff

Traditions Health Nurses and Chaplain Lorenzo Botello

Around the Clock Home Health nurses, therapists and staff