Ellen James

Ellen Joyce James, 77, of Jackson died Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, at her home.

She was born Dec. 15, 1938, in Pascola, Missouri, to Frank A. and Mildred Bowns Rettig. She and David Franklin James were married Saturday, Nov. 10, 1956, at Columbus, Georgia. He passed away Nov. 18, 1992.

Ellen was the wife of a career military officer and a homemaker to her family.

She attended Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include three sons, David A. (Loreli) James and Eddy D. (Bonnie) James, both of Jackson, and Mark James of Kansas City, Missouri; a brother, Donald R. Rettig of Hayti, Missouri; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters and a brother.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.