Former Tribal Chairman of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians passes away
Former Tribal Chairman of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians John James has died, the tribe announced Wednesday.
According to the tribe, James died peacefully Saturday among friends and family. He was 87.
James was known as the Father of Native American Gambling, due to his role to help create and expand the Indian gaming industry in the United States. He was critical in guiding the tribe through the court system, which lead to the landmark 1987 Cabazon Decision in the U.S. Supreme Court that paved the way for Indian gaming all over the country.
James first became involved in tribal government in 1977, starting as the secretary/treasurer of the tribe. As he became more involved in tribal government, James recognized that the establishment of high-stakes bingo and poker were the way for the tribe to become self-sufficient. He was elected chairman in 1989 and served in that position for more than 20 years.
He was honored numerous times for his work in the protection of Indian sovereign rights and his efforts to restore tribal self-sufficiency. A veteran of the Korean War, James received a plaque in 2016 at Veterans Memorial Park in Coachella.
Memorial service details are forthcoming.
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