Michael Patrick James, currently living in Horton, died from injuries received in a two vehicle accident, approximately 4 miles south of Hiawatha 73 Highway, July 19, 2017.  He was 52.

Michael was born at Claremore, OK, June 12, 1965, the son of Michael Clay and Annie Albright James.  He graduated from S Pasadena, California High School and moved to Hiawatha to make his home about 9 years ago.  In 2017, he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in American Indian Studies from Haskell University at Lawrence.

He was a member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

Survivors include his mother Annie Assefa of LaVerne, CA; his aunt and ‘second mother’ Sarah James of Folsom, CA; two brothers:  Andy Assefa of Bell Gardens, CA, Sam Assefa of Long Beach, CA; three sisters:  Sarita Rivera McGowan of LaVerne, Mina Assefa of Oakland, CA, and Maree Assefa of New York, NY; with numerous other relatives and friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his father.

A private family memorial graveside service will be held mid September at the Partlow Cemetery on the Iowa Reservation.  Duane Scates will officiate.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pow Wow Committee, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A potluck meal will be held Sunday morning, September 17, at the Camp Ground on the Pow Wow Grounds on the Reservation in honor of all the Iowa Tribal members that have passed on this year.

Those wishing to leave the family a message or remembrance, please refer to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com