Leigh Jolene James Obituary (1932 - 2013)

Leigh Jolene James, 81, of Wymore, NE, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Beatrice Health and Rehabilitation Center (previously 'The Manor'), after losing her battle with lung cancer. She was born on February 22, 1932 in Smith Center, Kansas to Ray and Florence (Buck) Baker. Jolene moved to Nebraska in her early childhood with her family. She graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1949 and was baptized at the Wymore Church of Christ in 1953. As a young adult, she worked at Dempter's Manufacturing in Beatrice, NE. She was married to Melvin Aden and later divorced. To this union a son, Steve, was born. On August 11, 1956, Jolene married Grover "Juni" James Jr. and to this union a daughter, Joni, and a son, Donald were born. Juni and Jolene spent their early years of marriage living between Bisbee, AZ, Wymore, NE, and a short time in Hebron, NE. They settled in Wymore to raise their kids through high school and enjoyed being "snowbirds", living in Sun Lakes, AZ during the winters for many years after retiring. While living in Wymore, Jolene worked for the City of Wymore and was bookkeeper for James Brothers TV sales and repair business. While living in Sun Lakes, AZ, Jolene worked part-time for 15 years for the Sun Lakes Homeowners - Arizona Bank; Ed Robson was the developer of the Sun Lakes retirement community. She loved meeting new people, golfing and keeping busy. In her younger years Jolene was an exceptional bowler, bowling a 648 scratch at the Arizona State Bowling Tournament in 1960. Jolene was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She took great pride in her family and loved traveling to see them whenever she had the opportunity. After Juni's passing on February 19, 2009, Jolene remained in their home. She enjoyed spending time with good friends and her sisters shopping for bargains, going out to eat, playing cards, going to bingo, attending auctions, and monthly bus trips to the casino. Jolene touched many lives with her positive outlook and was a very giving person, volunteering much of her time through the years in the community. She was a member of the Wymore Church of Christ and also attended the West Side Baptist Church in Beatrice, NE. Jolene was also a member of the NITE Hawks, the Presbyterian Church card club, the Beatrice Bridge Club, the Wymore Country Club and the Wymore American Legion Auxiliary Post #25. She is survived by her children, Steve Aden and special friend Tammy Dizmang of Grand Island, NE; Joni Talbott and husband, George of Blue Springs, MO; Donald James and wife Joy of Lee's Summit, MO; four grandchildren; Bill Talbott, and Connor, Brianna and Ashley James. In addition, she leaves behind her sisters; Rubye Stewart, Beatrice, NE, Roma Baker, Wymore, NE, Audrey Rich and husband Tom of Sun Lakes, AZ; brother Gary Baker and wife Nancy of Blue Springs, MO; brother-in-law Bob James and wife June Ellen of Wymore; special friend Dwight George of Grinnell, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Grover "Juni" James Jr. on February 19, 2009; her parents, Ray and Florence (Buck) Baker; father-in-law, Grover James Sr.; mother-in-law, Ethel (Lewis) James; eight brothers-in-law and seven sisters-in-law. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the Wymore Church of Christ, with Clayton Lundstedt and Jon Palmquist officiating. Interment will be in the Blue Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore on Thursday from 1-5:00 and Friday from 9-9:00, with the family greeting friends from 6-8:00 Friday, and at the church one hour preceding the service on Saturday. Memorials are suggested to the family's choice with Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 AM Saturday at the church. Sign Jolene's online guest book at www.ghchapel.com. The Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore is in charge of the services.