James D. Erie was born on June 24, 1934 in Bemidji, Minn.to Frank and Anna Erie, the second born of four brothers – older brother Donald and younger brothers Richard and Dannie.

He is survived by his wife, Toshiko and daughter Kimie.

He attended Bemidji State College and graduated magna cum laude. He served 10 years in the U.S. Navy and during his 22 years in the U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Treasury Department, he served for three years as the U.S. Customs Attache to Japan.

He loved art and outdoor sports and collected Asian antiques.

In his retirement, he chose to live close to the water to enjoy the view and indulge his love of fishing.