Joyce James | Obituary | Goshen News

GOSHEN – Joyce Ann James, 91, passed away Oct. 1, 2021, at Greencroft Healthcare.
She was born April 2, 1930, in Bellville, Illinois to Obey and Elizabeth (Masserang) Penrose.
On June 14, 1952, in Fort Wayne she married John James. He preceded her in death on April 2, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Gwendolyn Kaylor, brother, Richard Penrose, and a great-granddaughter, Oakleigh Long.
Surviving are six children, Jennifer (Ralph) Grimm, Jillisa (Robert) Long, Jamye (Patrick) Scanlon, Jay (Jennifer) James, Jeff (Stacy) James and Julia (Mark) Royce, 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Suzanne Smith.
Joyce graduated from Central High School in Fort Wayne and then attended I.U. and Ball State Teachers College, where she was a charter member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
She taught in the Fort Wayne Community Schools for 12 years before moving to Goshen. Joyce then worked at Farm Bureau Insurance Agency for 20 years and was also the owner of Balloons a la mode, a balloon decorating company, with her husband for 16 years before retirement. After retirement she created a new wedding planning, invitation, and calligraphy service, Weddings by Joyce.
Joyce loved her family with a passion and was never happier than when planning family events, complete with decorations, activities and her handmade favors. She always claimed she had no talent but appreciated those of others and always let them know it. Joyce was also an avid reader and enjoyed writing rhymes and skits for family and friends. She loved nature, especially flowers and her beloved magnolia trees.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at Pleasant View Church, 58529 C.R. 23 Goshen, IN 46528.
Memorial contributions may be given to the church.
Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Published on October 4, 2021