Jo Anne Margaret James

“Remember I’m not really gone, just gone on before you.”
On January 25, 2025, the voice of one of the Anderson Indians most loyal fans fell silent at 5:15 a.m. Jo Anne Margaret James, age 95 and a graduate of the 1947 class at Anderson High School, passed from this life surrounded by her children and family friends.
Jo Anne was born on January 21, 1930, a daughter to Charles Edward and Peggy Jayne Dent at St. John’s Memorial Hospital. She attended Anderson High School where she became a devoted friend to Paula Savage.
Following high school, she pursued her passion for healthcare. She graduated from St. John’s Holycross Nursing School in 1951as a registered nurse. Initially, her career included participation as a surgical nurse, as well as a nurse in labor and delivery. During this time, she had the honor of delivering a child during a cold winter’s night in the parking lot of St. John’s Hospital, a memory that she lovingly shared often. It was there that she caught the eye of one of Anderson’s most prominent obstetric and gynecological physicians, Frank C. Donaldson, MD. He convinced her to work for him as the head nurse in his practice until he found a suitable replacement. What she didn’t realize was that Dr. Donaldson had already found his head nurse (her), and both retired from his practice 33 years later.
It was also during this time that she met E. Edward James. The two were married for 62 years and raised their two children, Jane Ann Russell and Daniel Edward James. Both she and Ed honored their children by never missing their sporting, dancing and school events. Jo Anne encouraged her children to always do their best. She consistently reminded them that they could achieve any goal they had by simply putting their mind to it and believing in themselves. These words have guided both throughout their lives.
One of Jo Anne’s favorite holidays was Thanksgiving. Family and friends gathered faithfully each year at her home. Great food and conversations with loved ones created memories that are deep in hearts. Both young and old participated in competitive games of Win, Lose, or Draw, creating memories that will not be forgotten.
Jo Anne was a lifetime member of the Anderson Church of the Brethren. She served as a deacon in the Anderson church, a place of worship that her ancestors founded in 1896.
Jo Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Ed James. She is survived by her daughter, Jane Ann Russell; her son, Daniel Edward James; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Sobjack James; grandchildren, Lauren Nicole Parker, Katie Lauren James, Bailey Rose Sobjack, Jordan Christian Russell, Taylor Elyse Russell, and Zachary Edward James; and great-grandchildren, Faith Margaret Parker, Noah Christopher Parker, Penny Nicole Parker, and Arabella Jane Harvey.
A gravesite service will be conducted at 2 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Anderson Memorial Park. Friends and family are encouraged to attend.