Joanne Marie James

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. - Rev. 2:10

Joanne M. Duensing James was born in Wendell, Idaho, to Herbert and Genevieve Duensing. She grew up on a farm with her older sister, Colleen. They were close throughout their lives and loved to sing with their “Daddy” and each other.

Joanne married Rene James on November 27, 1959. They lived in Twin Falls, Idaho, with their first two children, Gregory and Deborah. They moved to Portland, Oregon, where Jennifer, Michael, and Andrew were born. So that Rene could begin the Lutheran seminary, they moved to Springfield, Illinois, in 1974. They moved throughout Iowa and Illinois to serve in several Missouri Synod Lutheran Churches. Joanne enjoyed directing church choirs and sharing her love of the Lord through music. During this time, the family served as a foster family and adopted Tracey and Jason.

Joanne loved being a mother, teaching her children life skills, and sharing her laughter and love of the Lord. Although being a homemaker was her dream job, she also worked at a Bible book shop, the Center on Aging, and as a teacher’s aide. In 1992, she moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and worked as a pension underwriter until her retirement. She then lived in Washington, Utah, with her mother, Genevieve, until her mother’s passing in 2013. In 2015, she returned to the Midwest and lived near her son, Michael, and their family in Bloomington, Illinois, until moving in 2020 to Beaverton, Oregon, to be near her daughter, Jennifer, who had recently returned to Oregon. She was able to get together with her sister, Colleen, and niece, Erika, several times during these years. Joanne resided in assisted living for two years and later moved to memory care due to the struggles of Parkinson’s disease. She had loved ones by her side until her peaceful passing.

Her life’s greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to talk to them, play, be silly, and read stories. She was a great storyteller, with sound effect embellishments that delighted all who heard her share. Music filled our home and our lives, whether it be singing the meal prayer, Broadway music, or favorite hymns.

She also enjoyed crocheting and, along with Genevieve, made each family a baptismal gown for her grandchildren. She loved to watch the birds, find new ways to keep the squirrels out of her flowerpots, bake, cook, do puzzles, and read. We will miss her laughter and her light-hearted exasperation at the antics of seven children. “Oh, good, grief” was a common phrase.

Her unwavering faith provided an inspirational beacon to her friends, family and all who knew her. It was the foundation of her daily life and will always be remembered. She was our encourager, supporter, spiritual and moral compass, and a generous spirit. She will be missed enormously as we celebrate her life and rejoice she is no longer suffering.

She is survived by her dear children: Gregory (Brenda) James, Deborah James, Jennifer (Daniel) Werries, Michael (Julie) James, Andrew (Christine) James, and adopted children, Tracey (Tim) James, Jason James; Eighteen beloved grandchildren, Michael (Nadja) Werries, Stephen James, Bradley Autry, Adam Werries, Alexander (Cassie) James, Lauren (Jake) Quinn, Michael Autry, Kristopher James, Phillip Werries, Joshua Autry, Sarah James, Tyler James, Brandon James, Scott James, Madison Werries, Sydney James, Sophiana James, and Kenya James; Five darling great-grandchildren, Sylviah James, Kira Werries, Quinn James, Maya Werries, and Everly Quinn; and niece Erika (Jim) Anderson.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Duensing and Genevieve (Duensing) Udy, stepfather, Roy Udy, ex-husband, Rene, and sister, Colleen Hanson.

Joanne was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aloha, Oregon. Although her health prevented her from attending in person, she appreciated watching the services and enjoyed visits from Pastor Jeff Shearier, Pastor Phil Anderson, and the lay team.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, August 26, 2024, at Finley Sunset Hills, 6801 SW Sunset Highway, Portland, Oregon, with Pastor Phil Anderson officiating. Interment will be held immediately following the service, where she will take her final earthly resting place near her father, Herbert Duensing.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim. 4:7

Well done, good and faithful servant. Matt. 25:21