James Ray Herndon was born on October 1, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Dorothy Louise Herndon and James Benjamin "J.B." Herndon. As a child, he played baseball for the Longfellow Jets — his father, J.B., was their coach and Dorothy was their den mother. He also earned multiple certificates of merit for his service on the Longfellow Elementary School safety patrol.

James attended Central High School, where he was a member of the Barons social club. On August 9, 1966, at just 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed airborne training and became an infantry paratrooper, serving two tours in Vietnam with his brothers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, where he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. He continued his military career in Heidelberg, Germany, as a special agent in the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) on the undercover narcotics team and was recognized for solving numerous high-profile cases.

After 20 years of service, he retired as a W3 Chief Warrant Officer and went on to establish his own private investigative agency, Herndon & Associates, in Tulsa.

James began golfing soon after high school, and it remained his favorite pastime for over 50 years. He also loved fishing with his dad, going on Bloody Mary cruises with his lake friends, photography, drawing, and enjoying an occasional rum and Coke with lime.

He is survived by his children Laura Day, J.B. Herndon II, Lynn-Ann Herndon, and Niki Herndon — along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two younger sisters, Alice Ann and Judy Lynn; his long-time companion and best friend, Jill Allison; and her children, Beth and Bob Allison.

James left this earth on Monday, November 24, 2025. He will reunite with his parents, Dorothy and J.B., and his loyal dog Emma in heaven. We are forever grateful for his love, his steady presence, and his lifetime of service.