Colonel Cross was born in Bokahoma, Oklahoma, and grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a business graduate of Louisiana State University and had a master's degree in business administration from Stanford University.

At the outbreak of World War II, he served on the staff of General George C. Marshall and later on General Omar Bradley's staff, for which he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

During the Korean War, Colonel Cross was General Maxwell D. Taylor's personal aide and was instrumental in creating the Republic of Korea's sun division. He also commanded a combat battalion, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star with a V for valor.

In 1960 and 1961, he commanded the 28th Infantry in Munich. Later, at West Point, he received the Legion of Merit for his work as a comptroller at the military academy. He served as the assistant vice chief of staff at the Pentagon from 1967 to 1970 and received the Distinguished Service Medal for his work.

Colonel Cross retired in 1970 and began a career as a stockbroker in Washington with Bache and Prudential-Bache. He left the company in 1990 but continued to work with some clients.

He and his wife moved from Old Town Alexandria to The Fairfax in 1997. He indulged his lifelong love for travel and served as president of the Belvoir Woods Protestant Mission Society.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lenora R. Cross of The Fairfax; two sons, James Cross II of Berkeley, California, and Jai Saul Cross of Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.