On March 4, 2020, Joyce James went on to join her Heavenly friends and family. She was originally from Denver, Colorado, born on July 31, 1934, to Frank Cooper and Dannie Johnson Cooper. She grew up as the youngest of seven children; Lily Williamson, James Cooper, Mildred Curtis, Alice Burwell, Margaret Nolan, and Joe Cooper who all preceded her into heaven.
Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, California, with her family she met a displaced Arkie, Roland James, that chose to never take no as an answer from her. After finally convincing her that he was the man of her dreams, they married on May 31, 1958. At this time, the newspaper editor she worked for tried convincing her to become his private secretary. She decided instead to follow her husband, who chose to join the Army, move to San Francisco, and devote her life to being a devoted wife and mother.
Roland James Jr, more commonly known as RA, was born December 29, 1959 at the Presidio Letterman Army Hospital. In June of 1960, when Roland’s Army term was completed they moved back to Los Angeles, California. On November 20, 1962, Julie James was born and completed their lovely little family.
Roland worked 28 years as an electrician for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Joyce continued to be a stay at home mother and raised RA and Julie. Julie grew up and married Ed Cashmon and they moved to Las Vegas where they later gave Joyce three wonderful grandchildren, Devon, Corey and Shea.
Roland and Joyce retired to an 80 acre farm in Heber Springs, Arkansas that their children dubbed The Circle J Ranch. RA joined them on the farm to help with the ranch. Joyce loved organizing many family get togethers there and always loved feeding everyone.
About five years age Joyce started developing Alzheimer’s and it slowly progressed until her death. Until the very end she had a joyous laugh and great disposition. In November 2019, Corey moved down to the ranch to help take care of her mother who had suffered ill effects from a diabetic coma. She has been a great blessing to us all.
Joyce’s memorial service was originally planned for April 4, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Heber Springs Funeral Home, but Roland has decided to indefinitely postpone the service until the Coronavirus has run its course. Thank you all for understanding and a new time for the service will be announced at a later date.
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