Career
James was a native of Dallas, Texas and a graduate of Texas Technical University in Lubbock. James was also a veteran mountaineer with more than 25 years experience climbing mountains including Mount McKinley, the Eiger, Alpamayo, and over 20 ascents of Mount Rainier. He was also a devoted Christian.
Foreign more than a week, fierce weather thwarted rescue attempts.
Finally on December 17, 2006, rescue workers located James’ body in a snow cave, 300 feet below the summit. Before he died of hypothermia, James removed his glove and extended his ring finger with his signet JKJ ring prominently displayed, which some have interpreted as a signal to his family.
Kelly"s wife Karen James wrote a book Holding Fast: The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy about the accident.
