Jun 10, 1929 - Mar 29, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Joy Elaine James on March 29, 2018 in Williams Lake, BC. Following a brief illness, and with her children and family by her side, Joy entered the presence of her Lord and Savior.
Joy was born to Lloyd and Etta Waters on June 10, 1929 in Bell, California at the onset of the Great Depression. Unable to find work, her father decided to move his family of four to Kansas where he shared a job with his brother. After a few harsh winters the family returned to California. Joy graduated from Bell High School in 1947 and in 1948 she met and married Kenneth "Jim" James. They had 5 children, but in 1954 they suffered the heartbreaking loss of their second son David at the age of 15 months.
In April of 1967 Jim, Joy and their 4 children said goodbye to family and friends and immigrated to Canada, settling first in Beaver Valley, BC. The family eventually moved to Williams Lake. Over the years Joy made many friends and enjoyed traveling and visiting family back in California. She also worked many years at the Bonnie Brite Dry Cleaners.
Joy will be remembered mostly as a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her 4 children Kenneth "Dan" (Cecile) James, Larry (Sandi) James, Julie (Russ) Ferrell of Williams Lake and Carolyn (Mario) Rivera of Riverside, California.
She also leaves 10 grandchildren, Tena (Tim) Middleton, Bill James, Alex (Dawna) James, Kenny (Bridgette) James, Ryan (Alex) James, Michael James, Jennifer (Matt) White, Carrie Speed, Melanie Rivera and Haylie Rivera. She also leaves behind 10 beloved great grandchildren.
Joy is also survived by her sister and brother-in law Gloria & Ed Bennett of Menifee, California as well as many nieces and nephews.
Joy was a member of the first Baptist Church in Williams Lake, BC. The family would like to thank the devoted staff at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, her pastor Darrin Lauder and all of her caring and loving friends.
Memorial service to be held at Williams Lake First Baptist Church, 295 Western Ave. at 2 pm Saturday April 14th, 2018.