James grew up in Eagle Butte, SD, and attended Cheyenne River Elementary and High School. His father owned an automotive repair shop, where James honed his skills which eventually led him to obtain a degree in Automotive Technology from Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City, SD. During that time, he also enlisted in the military and became a Combat Engineer in the United States Army.

James is a veteran of the Gulf War, where he earned multiple medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 bronze Service Stars, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Driver and Mechanics Badge with Driver-W Bar, Sharpshooter Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar, and Marksman Badge with Hand Grenade Bar.

Spirituality was an extremely important part of James' life. He enjoyed reading scripture, attending services, volunteering to help fellow veterans, working on vehicles, hunting, watching football, exercising and exploring the world around him.

James B. Meland, age 47, died of natural causes on Monday, March 7, 2016, at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, WA.

James is survived by his mother, Sandra (Paul) Swenson, Huron, SD; sister, Michelle (Eric) Meland, Rapid City; son, Bryan (Lauren) Meland, Portland, OR; grandmother, Edith (Barney) Meland, Bison, SD; grandparents, Earl and Deana Eliason, Pagosa Springs, CO; nephew, Nicholas Meland, Rapid City; six uncles; three aunts; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore "Ted" Meland; grandfather, Barney Meland; and one aunt, Judith "Judy" Waddell.

A small private family service with full Military Funeral Honors was held at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. with Father Bill Zandri officiating.

In Lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to a veteran's organization of your choice in his honor.