Marie James

Marie Agnes James, 88, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, Dec. 17, 2021.

She was born May 13, 1933, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Joseph A. and Mary F. Heuring Kirchdoerfer. She and Robert Russell James were married April 19, 1955, at St. Mary's Cathedral. They were married 55 years when Robert passed away Oct. 18, 2010.

Marie was a full-time mother to her 10 children. She was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral and the Council of Catholic Women.

Marie graduated from St. Mary's High School and was the Class of 1950 valedictorian. She received the 2013 Distinguished Gradate Award of St. Mary Cathedral School.

She was a member and leader of Campster 4-H Club and the SEMO District Fair Association, having worked in the fair office and exhibited many years. She was a lifetime member VFW Post 3838 Ladies Auxiliary. She was a private sitter for 20 years, worked at Sunny Hill Garden Center for 10 years, and was a volunteer election poll judge many years.

Loving survivors include her children, Ruth (David) Sawyer of Yantis, Texas; Elizabeth (Dennis) Aufdenberg of Burfordville; Robert (Donna) James Jr. of Cape Girardeau; Dennis (Karen) James of Leopold, Missouri; Paul (Sherry) James of Cape Girardeau; Anita (Mark) Essner of Kelso, Missouri; Ralph (Monica) James of Jackson; Angela Poindexter of St. Charles, Missouri; Sara (Jeff) Heuer of Cape Girardeau; and Mark (Julie) James of Jackson. Also surviving are a sister, Adella (the late Alvin) Frank of Chaffee, Missouri, and a brother, Joe (Mildred) Kirchdoerfer of Cape Girardeau. She was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She gave each new family member a number as the James Gang grew!

Marie was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a brother, Anton Kirchdoerfer; a sister, Stella (Fred) Ostendorf; and two grandchildren, Elliot and Katrina James.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, with parish prayers at 3:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

The family suggests that contributions be made to St. Mary Cathedral Education Foundation.

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