Robert "Bob" James, of Cumberland

Celebration of Life Services: Will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Cumberland Community Building in Cumberland at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments and fellowship will immediately follow the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Massena is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Memorials: To Robert James Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

Robert “Bob” Lee James was born on May 21, 1944, the son of Hubert and Arlene (Croghan) James in Hamburg, Iowa. He passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Midlands Living Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of 81.

Bob grew up in Cumberland and lived there most of his life. He was united in marriage to Benna Thompson in March of 1964. To this union four children were born, Robbie, Catherine, Allen and David.

He worked for American Buildings in Atlantic as a bridge crane operator, 21st Century Coop, and construction for Henningson’s in Atlantic and was a handyman around Cumberland for many people. He was a 50-year member of the Cumberland Fire Department, farmed, enjoyed going out in the woods and cutting wood to heat his home. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and his biggest joy was helping other people.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Benna; granddaughter, Danika James; and daughter-in-law, Carla James.

He is survived by his four children, Robbie James of Omaha, Catherine James of Omaha, Allen James of Council Bluffs and David James of Glidden, Iowa; two grandchildren, Chris James and Justin Morrison and wife Camille; three great grandchildren, Jayvon Morrison, Justin Morrison, Jr. and Jamari Morrison; four sisters, Louise McNelly of Belton, Missouri, Beverly Garret and husband Larry of Branson, Missouri, Mary Burns of Mesa, Arizona and Bernadine Crampton of Seward, Nebraska; other relatives and friends.