James was born August 24, 1923 at Bend, Oregon to Gust and Louisa (Walchli) Karas. He grew up in Pocatello, ID and graduated from Pocatello High School. Jim served in the US Army and was a World War II veteran.
On July 23, 1945, he married the love of his life Esther Erickson. In 1946, they moved to Pembina, ND. He worked for the US Customs Service for 38 years, retiring as the Area Port Director. Jim was an active American Legion member of 81 years.
Survivors include his children, Steven Karas, Wolfforth, TX, and Elizabeth Karas, Pembina, ND, sisters, Christina Stone, Boise, ID and Viola Jepson, Abilene, TX, sister-in-law, Bertha Karas, Camarillo, CA, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, Esther, brothers: George, Peter, and Leo Karas, and sister, Judy Siebert.