Pada 28 September 2021, James yang telah divaksinasi lengkap dinyatakan terjangkit koronavirus dan dirawat di unit perawatan intensif (ICU) Rumah Sakit Umum Sarawak (SGH).[2] He was later transferred to Normah Sarawak Medical Centre (NSMC) in Petra Jaya after his condition deteriorated to Stage 3 where he subcumbed to various complications and died later of heart conditions, and post Covid-19 complications, at 7.05 a.m., on 31 October at the age of 72.[3][4] His remains was brought to his residence at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee for funeral arrangement according to the COVID-19 pandemic standard operating procedure (SOP).[5] A service and ceremony will then held for the dignitaries and public to pay their last respects to the late at the Association of Churches in Sarawak, Jalan Stampin; thereafter his remains will be taken to the Nirvana Memorial Park, Kuching for his final resting place.[6][7] Further COVID-19 screening test result conducted on his body were reported.[8]
