Jean E. James

Jean E. James, age 90, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Iron River Care Center.    She was born on July 24, 1929 in New Swanzy, MI, the daughter of the late William R. and Antonie (Michaels) Eakley. She attended and graduated from the Iron River Schools with the Class of 1947.  After graduation, she was employed for seven years by Michigan Bell, and later worked as bookkeeper for the family trucking business. Jean married Eugene James on November 3, 1951 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River and the couple made their home in Iron River Township. They celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in 2001, before Eugene preceded her in death on April 16, 2002. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River and the Alter Society. Jean enjoyed cooking and “feeding the world”, polka dancing, and being at home spending time with her family.  Jean is survived by her sons, Don (Sue) James of Crystal Falls, MI and Paul (James Dettlaff) James of Iron River; six grandchildren, Charlie and Daniel James and Benjamin, Kasey, Samuel, and Collin (Cheyenne) Gendron; great grandson, Briggin Gendron; nephew, Keith (Karen) Eakley; nieces, Trisha (Todd) McCole and Tara (Bruce) Laing. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Richard Eakley. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, December 13, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jean E. James, please visit our flower store.