Why did James have to die but not Lily?

[acoteucla]

No: HPFGUIDX 72385

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "mcbink2000" <mcbink2000 at y...> 
wrote:
> Voldemorts only concern was getting to Harry.  James was at the 
door 
> ready to fight, Voldemort had to kill him to get past him.

I DEFINITELY disagree with this bit.  James & Lily had narrowly 
escaped Voldemort THREE times before Voldemort found out about the 
prophecy.  He wanted to kill them for some reason (maybe just because 
they were in the Order, but I think it's more complex.)  The fact 
that he is willing to let Lily go suggests that it was James he was 
after those three times.  So he definitely wanted to kill James.  The 
reason he wanted to kill James might have something to do with the 
reason why he went after Harry, rather than Neville, after hearing 
the prophecy.