Helen L. James' Obituary
Helen L. James, age 89, passed away on December 22, 2013 in Crest Hill, Illinois. Mrs. James was born in Decatur, IL to Rolla and Emma (Bonham) Greene. She married Robert W. James at the West Hollywood Baptist Church in Los Angeles, CA in 1942.
She is survived by son David (Linda) James, Crest Hill, IL, son Stephen James, Lincoln, IL, daughter Connie Traughber, Normal, IL, grandsons Mike (Janet) James, Naperville, IL, Jason Traughber, Baton Rouge, LA, granddaughter Roberta James, Aurora, IL, and three great grandchildren, Jessica, Kristina and Alex James, Naperville, IL.
She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Decatur for over 50 years. Helen volunteered at Rock Springs Center for more than 25 years and wrote a column about nature in several publications of the Rock Springs newsletter. She was also one of the original members of the Kiwaniannes Club of Decatur founded in 1984.
Helen was an avid reader and a contributor to Letters to the Editor of the Herald & Review on a wide range of topics. She also loved music and could play the piano by ear.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters. A memorial service will be held at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 10:00 am.
Memorials may be made to the Henry F. Gromoll Fund c/o Millikin University, 1184 W. Main, Decatur, IL or Rock Springs Center, Decatur, IL.
The family of Helen L. James is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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